GENERAL ORDERS - NUMBER 229 -6  July 1953

 

    AWARD OF THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL - By direction of the President, under the provisions of Executive Order 9419, 4 February 1944 (Sec II, WD Bul 3, 1944), and pursuant to authority in AR 600-45, the Bronze Star Medal with Letter "V" device for heroic achievement in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States is awarded to the following named officers and enlisted men:

Private First Class WILLIAM L. TEFFT, RA11243836, Infantry, Company "K", 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On the night of 24 May and during the early morning hours of 25 May 1953, a patrol from Compan "K", of which Private TEFFT was a member, was attacked by a reinforced hostile platoon in the vicinity of Kumhwa, Korea. The initial burst of fire from enemy weapons mortally wounded the patrol leader. Exposing himself to intense hostile fire, he reported the loss of the patrol leader to the next in command. When ordered to return to safety, he left the cover of the group and with two comrades attempted to take the patrol leader into the defensive perimeter, but they were unable to free the body which was emmeshed in wire. While attempting to free the body, the enemy directed heavy fire upon Private TEFFT. He then moved about to an effective position from which he laid accurate fire upon the attacker, wounding and mortally wounding several of them and thus neutralizing the enemy attack. With the arrival of a relief group, the enemy was defeated and withdrew. He then assisted in the evacuation of the wounded. Private TEFFT'S outstanding heroism and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the Federal Service from Connecticut.

 

Source: Record Group 338: General Orders 3rd Infantry Division, Boxes 129 to 131 - National Archives and Records Administration, College Park, Maryland.