The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel William R. Collins (MCSN: 0-5182), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Fifth Tank Battalion, FIFTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands from 19 February to 26 March 1945. After landing with his Battalion early on D-Day, Lieutenant Colonel Collins aggressively directed his unit in supporting the assault troops and despite heavy hostile fire, mine fields and terrain obstacles, sided materially in the establishment of the initial beach head. On 22 February when intense enemy mortar fire disrupted communications between the infantry and supporting tanks and caused heavy casualties among the front line troops, he dismounted from his tank and braved the heavy fire to contact the Infantry Commander and establish liaison. Receiving information on the situation, he returned to his vehicle and directed effective tank operations which resulted in the saving of many lives. By his courageous leadership and skilled tactics Lieutenant Colonel Collins contributed materially to the successful accomplishment of the Division’s mission and his devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.