The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class William L. Ames (MCSN: 659920), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an Assistant Gunner in Weapons Company, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 24 September 1950. Quick to assume control of the gun when the gunner was killed, Private First Class Ames kept the weapon in action until it jammed beyond immediate repair and then continued to fight with his pistol fire and hand grenades. Upon learning that some of the enemy could speak English, he and his Section Leader began to converse in a loud voice to draw the fire of the enemy, thus locating the objective and enabling members of his unit to bring their fire to bear on the position. His courage, resourcefulness and aggressive fighting spirit reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Ames and the United States Naval Service.