William L. Vick Silver Star citation

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL to

STAFF SERGEANT WILLIAM L. VICK,
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant William L. Vick (MCSN: 561237), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Section Leader in a 75-mm. Recoilless Rifle Platoon of the Anti-tank Company, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 2 December 1950. Voluntarily leading a squad forward as a reinforcing unit to assist two rifle companies acting as rear guard for a Marine force advancing in the vicinity of Yudam-ni, Staff Sergeant Vick moved up the hill during the night and, failing in his attempts to establish contact because of enemy infiltration, directed his men to establish a perimeter defense until daylight. When a numerically superior hostile force attacked the two companies at dawn, he maintained his position and, employing his weapons to maximum advantage, delivered accurate covering fire to neutralize the enemy’s fire and permit the friendly riflemen to maneuver to more advantageous positions. The last man to leave his post after insuring that all casualties had been evacuated and all members of his section properly employed, Staff Sergeant Vick, by his inspiring leadership, dauntless perseverance and indomitable fighting spirit, contributed materially to the successful advance of friendly units to their destination and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

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Born: 11 March 1926 in Paducah, Ky… Served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam… Also awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart… Killed on 30 August 1968 by an enemy rocket attack… Buried at Arlington National Cemetery