The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant William A. Looney (MCSN: 0-16203), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Machine Gun Platoon Leader of Company C, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese installations on Peleliu Palau Islands, 13 September 1944. Organizing remnants of several squads into a small platoon, First Lieutenant Looney maneuvered to the left flank of the Battalion, destroying two hostile machine guns inflicting casualties on our troops. When another platoon leader was badly wounded, he assumed command, reorganizing the unit despite opposing fire. He directed a night counterattack which resulted in the capture of two machine guns and the successful defense of our position. Constantly risking his life throughout this hazardous mission, First Lieutenant Looney contributed to the destruction of numerous Japanese troops with a minimum loss to our forces. His courage, leadership and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.