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 William H. Cole (ASN: RA-39759594), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the 1st Ranger Infantry Company (Airborne), 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 3 February 1951 in the vicinity of Miryan-ni, Korea. While his company was moving down an open river bed, it was suddenly subjected to heavy enemy fire from three hostile machine guns located on commanding ground and was pinned down. Sergeant Cole, with complete disregard of the heavy enemy fire striking all around him, organized the second platoon and led it to the high ground opposite the enemy emplacements. He then directed the fire of his six automatic riflemen with such skill, exposing himself continuously to do so, that his platoon soon gained fire superiority over the enemy, silencing their weapons and enabling the remainder of the company to continue its movement without sustaining a casualty. The gallantry and heroic leadership displayed by Sergeant Cole reflect the highest credit upon himself are in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.