The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant William H. Bricker (MCSN: 0-38330), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Leader of a Rifle Platoon of Company F, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 6 May 1945. Braving heavy enemy mortar and small-arms fire, Second Lieutenant Bricker organized his position to provide an effective perimeter defense during the night for a key kill position one hundred yards in advance of his company lines. Although wounded, he tenaciously held his positions throughout the night to direct and aid personally in repelling an enemy hand-to-hand counterattack, refusing evacuation until his unit had made a substantial advance against the enemy. His outstanding leadership and courageous fighting spirit reflect the highest credit upon Second Lieutenant Bricker and the United States Naval Service.