Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    7th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    November 23, 1951

    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 101 (March 11, 1952)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) William P. Bullard (ASN: 0-58847), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. On 23 November 1951, Company E, 2d Battalion, was occupying defensive positions on Hill 355 near Kowang-ni, Korea, when it was subjected to a tremendous barrage of hostile artillery and mortar fire. The intense and accurate shelling was inflicting heavy damage on the friendly forces and destroying many of the Company’s key gun emplacements. Heedless of the grave danger he faced, Lieutenant Bullard, a platoon leader, moved fearlessly over the embattled terrain, checking his men and their positions. Seeing several wounded men, he unhesitatingly braved the artillery fire to go to their assistance, carrying them to positions of comparative safety and administering first aid until they could be evacuated. Upon finding a machine-gun position that had been hit by an artillery round, he immediately set up the weapon and commenced firing on the hordes of enemy ground troops who were now swarming up the hill. Remaining in this position until his men showed signs of confusion and disorganization, he then withdrew to reorganize the platoon and to urge them to continue firing on the onrushing foe. Upon the order to withdraw, Lieutenant Bullard provided such a devastating field of fire that the friendly forces were able to withdraw to more tenable positions with a minimum of casualties and, only when assured that his men had reached a place of comparative safety, would he leave his position. Lieutenant Bullard’s conspicuous gallantry reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.