The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Technical Sergeant William Penn Purcell (MCSN: 236121), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Mortar Section Leader of Company D, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 26 September 1950. Realizing the seriousness of the situation when his company suffered numerous casualties, including all officers either killed or wounded, during a street attack against a well-concealed enemy force, Technical Sergeant Purcell immediately reorganized the remainder of the group while exposed to heavy hostile fire. Skillfully directing accurate and effective fire upon the enemy, he boldly led his company in a successful assault on the objective. By his outstanding leadership, aggressive fighting spirit and daring initiative, he served to inspire all who observed him and contributed essentially to the success of this operation. Technical Sergeant Purcell’s unfaltering devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.