The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class William Berg, Jr. (ASN: RA-12387777), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company F, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 8 March 1951 in the vicinity of Norumbau, Korea. Private Berg’s rifle platoon had assaulted and secured a small, heavily wooded hill in order to set up a new defense line. While consolidating its position the platoon was subjected to heavy enemy mortar, automatic weapons and small arms fire and the gunner and assistant gunner of the machine gun squad became casualties. Private Berg, observing this, fearlessly left his covered position and dashed through the heavy fire to the gun. He then moved the machine gun to another position and raked the hostile positions with deadly bursts of fire, inflicting heavy losses upon the enemy. Although his position was by now the center of a heavy concentration of mortar fire, he courageously remained at his gun, engaging the enemy, until a mortar round fell within one yard of him, killing him instantly. The gallantry and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Private Berg reflect the highest credit upon himself are in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.