The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal William F. Knapp, Jr. (MCSN: 2427918), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Motor Vehicle Operator with Company B, Seventh Motor Transport Battalion, Force Logistic Command, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. Assigned as Night Cargo Driver on 26 March 1969, Lance Corporal Knapp was traveling to the Quang Tri Combat Base when he came under a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire from six enemy soldiers occupying well-concealed positions. Struck in his face and right eye, he swerved off the road into a nearby rice paddy but, although nearly blind, regained control of his vehicle and attempted to return it to the roadway when he was stopped by an embankment. With complete disregard for his own safety, and for the superior fire-power of the enemy, he left the relative security of his truck and, firing his rifle, aggressively assaulted the enemy until his wounds forced him to cease his advance. Assisted back to his vehicle by another driver who then left to get medical assistance, Lance Corporal Knapp again attempted to return fire and to drive back on the road. Fearlessly continuing to engage the enemy with fire, he eventually began to lose consciousness, and utilizing his truck’s air horn, summoned aid from an approaching reaction force. By his courage, resolute determination and steadfast devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Knapp was instrumental in causing the enemy to retreat and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.