The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant William C. Vellman (MCSN: 0-26155), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Mortar Platoon Leader of Company I, Third Battalion, Twenty-ninth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 16 May 1945. Ordered to provide covering fire for the movement of his company to a stronger defensive position and for the evacuation of many casualties, First Lieutenant Vellman placed his mortars in action and then moved forward under heavy fire with two machine guns, their crews and ten riflemen to a position one hundred and fifty yards in front of our lines in order to provide the most effective fire possible. When an enemy mortar shell burst near him and its concussion paralyzed both legs, First Lieutenant Vellman refused evacuation because of the critical situation. While lying in a prone position exposed to heavy enemy fire, he directed the fire of his men and the evacuation of casualties until all wounded had been removed and the company had successfully moved to its assigned position before permitting himself to be evacuated. His outstanding courage, determination and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.