The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Willie P. Hammonds (MCSN: 983927), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Squad Leader of Company E, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 10 June 1951. With the platoon subjected to devastating hostile automatic weapons, mortar and small arms fire and temporarily unable to advance while engaged in an attack against a strongly defended enemy hill position, Staff Sergeant Hammonds charged forward through the heavy enemy fire to lead his squad in a series of vicious assaults on the hostile bunkers. Although he suffered painful wounds twice during the engagement, he refused medical attention until the enemy had been completely routed and the position secured. By his outstanding leadership, valiant fighting spirit and unswerving devotion to duty in the face of intense hostile fire, Staff Sergeant Hammonds contributed greatly to the success of the mission and served to inspire all who observed his fearless actions, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.