The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private William W. Heller, Jr. (MCSN: 804217), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company G, Second Battalion, Twenty-fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands on 9 July 1944. After others had sustained wounds during an attempted rescue of a fallen Marine from an exposed fire swept area, Private Heller unhesitatingly braved the enemy’s concentrated machine gun and rifle fire in a valiant effort to reach his comrade and, steadily advancing under the unceasing barrage, succeeded in removing the helpless man to a safe area. By his daring initiative, outstanding fortitude an cool courageous action in the face of grave peril, Private Heller save the life of a man who otherwise might have perished and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.