The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class William A. Hadsock (MCSN: 2334155), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with Company E, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 18 August 1968, while on a search and destroy operation in Quang Nam Province, Company E came under a heavy volume of small arms and automatic weapons fire from a large North Vietnamese Army force and sustained numerous casualties. As his unit withdrew to a more tenable position, Private First Class Hadsock alertly observed several wounded Marines lying in an area exposed to intense hostile fire. With complete disregard for his own safety, he fearlessly crossed 200 meters of fire-swept rice paddy to a wounded comrade where he immediately administered first aid treatment. Ignoring the heavy volume of North Vietnamese machine gun fire, he carried his comrade to a position of relative safety. Continuing his determined efforts, he repeatedly traversed the dangerously open area and, while recovering a fatally wounded Marine, Private First Class Hadsock was mortally wounded. His bold initiative and sincere concern for the welfare of his comrades inspired all who observed him and saved the lives of two fellow Marines. By his courage, resolute determination and steadfast devotion to duty, Private First Class Hadsock upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.