The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal William R. Hackett (MCSN: 2250676), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with Company B, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 27 October 1967 during Operation Granite, Lance Corporal Hackett’s platoon was participating in a company-size search and destroy operation in the vicinity of Hill 300 in Thua Thien Province, when his unit suddenly came under intense small arms fire from a well entrenched company-size North Vietnamese Army force. In the initial moments of the attack, the platoon sustained several casualties and was temporarily pinned down. Although painfully wounded himself, Lance Corporal Hackett, as the Point Man for the platoon, unhesitatingly directed a heavy volume of assistance for the wounded men who were lying in an area dangerously exposed to enemy fire. Leading several Marine companions and a corpsman to the area where the injured lay and firing his weapon to protect the casualties, he rendered medical aid to one Marine and then courageously assisted him to a covered position. Fearlessly returning to the hazardous, fire-swept area to assist in the evacuation of the other casualties, Lance Corporal Hackett continued to fire his weapon and succeeded in killing several enemy soldiers before he was mortally wounded by enemy fire. His steadfast determination and deep concern for his fellow Marines inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving several Marine lives. By his extraordinary courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Hackett upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.