The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant William K. Webb (MCSN: 0-31818), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Rifle Platoon Leader attached to Company I, Third Battalion, Twenty-third Marines, FOURTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 21 February 1945. When his platoon was halted by intense enemy small arms, artillery and mortar fire, Second Lieutenant Webb fearlessly exposed himself to direct the fire of our tanks on several of the Japanese pill boxes from which the intense fire was emerging. By his valiant action in the face of fierce opposition he was instrumental in reducing the hostile positions and enabling the advance to continue. His courageous initiative and gallant fighting spirit throughout this action reflect the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.