The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class William J. Bennett (MCSN: 891995), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Seventh 155-mm. Gun Battalion, Third Corps Artillery, THIRD Amphibious Corps, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Guam, Mariana Islands, 21 August 1944. Searching as a member of a two-man patrol for enemy snipers in front of his battalion position, Private First Class Bennett encountered seven well-armed Japanese and, immediately engaging the enemy, opened deadly fire upon them. Advancing with his companion in the face of intense fire, he valiantly assisted in annihilating the entire enemy group. His initiative, courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Bennett and the United States Naval Service.