Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    4th Battalion

    Regiment:

    15th Marines

    Division:

    6th Marine Division

    Action Date:

    May 17, 1945

    Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 36927 (November 21, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant William R. Wiseman (MCSN: 0-17799), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as an Artillery Forward observer attached to Battery L, Fourth Battalion, Fifteenth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands on 17 May 1945. Boldly making his way to the top of a strategic hill in the face of continuous enemy artillery, mortar, grenade and automatic weapons fire, First Lieutenant Wiseman, reached a point of vantage from which he covered the evacuation of his battery’s wounded by directing artillery fire upon the hostile emplacements. With his radio rendered inoperative by shellfire and his telephone line cut by enemy action, he was forced to send his wire team back to reestablish communications, valiantly remaining on station to obtain vital information until struck down and fatally wounded by a Japanese sniper. His unwavering devotion to duty and outstanding courage throughout wavering devotion to duty and outstanding courage throughout reflect the highest credit upon First Lieutenant Wiseman and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.