The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant First Class William S. Bennett (ASN: ER-17195905), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 18 May 1951, in the vicinity of Kunmul-gol, Korea. On that date, a strong enemy force attacked the rear command post of the 1st Battalion at approximately 0145 hours. The command post group fought, off the attack until approximately 0300 hours, when it became evident that the small group would not be able to hold out much longer under the onslaught of the numerically superior enemy. Sergeant Bennett, disregarding the intense enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire, rushed to Tank Company where he procured the aid of five tanks. On the way back to the command post area the armored group made contact with the enemy and was momentarily halted. Sergeant Bennett, riding one of the tanks, immediately dismounted and proceeded on foot to the command post area, continually firing on the enemy. Upon reaching the command post area, Sergeant Bennett assisted in aiding and evacuating the wounded as well as giving covering fire to the vehicles. The gallantry in action and loyal devotion to duty demonstrated by Sergeant Bennett reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.