The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant William K. Neill (MCSN: 0-11579), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for gallantry in action at New Georgia, Solomon Islands, on 20 July 1943. Despite heavy enemy fire he pushed forward aggressively to overcome hostile resistance and capture an enemy position well in advance of adjacent units. In doing so, First Lieutenant Neill sacrificed his life.