The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to
*LYELL, WILLIAM F.
Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S.
Army, Company F, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. Place and date:
Near Chup'a-ri, Korea, 31 August 1951. Entered service at: Old Hickory, Tenn. Birth:
Hickman County, Tenn. G.O. No.: 4, 9 January 1953.
Citation:
Cpl. Lyell, a member of Company F, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and
outstanding courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. When
his platoon leader was killed, Cpl. Lyell assumed command and led his unit in an assault
on strongly fortified enemy positions located on commanding terrain. When his platoon came
under vicious, raking fire which halted the forward movement, Cpl. Lyell seized a 57mm.
recoilless rifle and unhesitatingly moved ahead to a suitable firing position from which
he delivered deadly accurate fire completely destroying an enemy bunker, killing its
occupants. He then returned to his platoon and was resuming the assault when the unit was
again subjected to intense hostile fire from 2 other bunkers. Disregarding his personal
safety, armed with grenades he charged forward hurling grenades into 1 of the enemy
emplacements, and although painfully wounded in this action he pressed on destroying the
bunker and killing 6 of the foe. He then continued his attack against a third enemy
position, throwing grenades as he ran forward, annihilating 4 enemy soldiers. He then led
his platoon to the north slope of the hill where positions were occupied from which
effective fire was delivered against the enemy in support of friendly troops moving up.
Fearlessly exposing himself to enemy fire, he continuously moved about directing and
encouraging his men until he was mortally wounded by enemy mortar fire. Cpl. Lyell's
extraordinary heroism, indomitable courage, and aggressive leadership reflect great credit
on himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.
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