William P. Price

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal William P. Price, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an enemy as an Aero-Medical Specialist, Detachment 1, Third Air Rescue Squadron, on 2 June 1951. On that date, Corporal Price accompanied an unarmed and highly vulnerable H-5 helicopter on a flight into enemy territory to aid in the rescue of a downed United Nations pilot who had parachuted from his battle damaged aircraft. Reaching the area, the helicopter was driven off by intense small arms and automatic weapons fire in the first two landing attempts. Although hit several times, it was finally landed, where Corporal Price observed the downed pilot slip and fall as the latter ran from his place of concealment toward the rescue craft. Fully exposing himself to the enemy, he raced to the pilot’s aid. Although enemy troops were entrenched approximately 75 yards away, Corporal Price managed to reach the pilot and help him back to the helicopter. A successful take off was made as Corporal Price and the rescued pilot scrambled aboard, and the helicopter was flown back to safety. By his courage and devotion to duty, Corporal Price reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.