The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal William J. Hurst (MCSN: 353534), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Rifle Squad Leader of Company F, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on enemy held Peleliu, Palau Islands on 15 and 16 September 1944. After locating an enemy pill box which was inflicting casualties on his platoon, Corporal Hurst braved the hostile fire and crawling to the emplacement killed the enemy defenders with hand grenades. Serving as a scout on 18 September, he discovered another pill box when it began to fire on other troops of his company. Dashing forward before many casualties were inflicted, he destroyed the four men manning an enemy machine gun with rifle fire and hand grenades. By his courageous initiative and aggressive fighting spirit, Corporal Hurst undoubtedly saved the lives of many of his comrades, and his gallant conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.