William G. Ziegler

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to William G. Ziegler (US51193846), Corporal, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. During the early morning hours of 30 May 1953, in the vicinity of Kumhwa, Korea, Corporal (then Private First Class) Ziegler was a radio operator with a reconnaissance patrol advancing to Hill 412, close to enemy lines. Upon reaching the objective, the group commenced to reconnoiter the area but was suddenly subjected to intense small arms and automatic weapons fire from enemy defensive fortifications. In the unit’s ensuing move to more advantageous positions, the patrol leader and his assistant were separated from the main body. Learning this, Corporal Ziegler immediately assumed command and, despite the heavy fire, led the group in a search for the missing men. Although wounded in this action, he relentlessly continued to direct the unit and courageously guided it back through enemy mortar barrages to the friendly main line of resistance. Corporal Ziegler’s outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.