The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal William C. Ellis (MCSN: 446061), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the First Parachute Battalion, First Marine Parachute Regiment, First Marine Amphibious corps, during operations against enemy Japanese forces on Bougainville, Solomon Islands, January 1, 1944. When his squad was subjected to withering enemy automatic fire during a vigorous assault against hostile units east of the Torokina River, Corporal Ellis unhesitatingly crawled, with another Marine, to within a few yards of a prepared Japanese position and, when there was no further protection, fearlessly rushed the emplacement with pistols and grenades, killing the occupants before he himself was wounded. Corporal Ellis’ daring initiative and gallant conduct in the face of grave peril were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.