The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Robert K. Williams (MCSN: 0-21868), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as officer in charge of two mine clearing squads of the Fifth Engineer Battalion, FIFTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 11 March 1945. When it became necessary to clear a passage for tanks through an enemy mine field strongly defended by close range enemy fire, First Lieutenant Williams took charge of two mine squads on the right flank of a combat team and working under fire inside hostile lines for several hours, skillfully directed the removal of a number of mines by hand, one of them from under the tread of the tank. By his leadership and cool courage under fire, First Lieutenant Williams enabled the thanks to advance one hundred fifty yards beyond friendly lines despite the extremely rough terrain and contributed materially to the subsequent success of the infantry and tank assault. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.