The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal William O. Winston (MCSN: 2208724), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Forward Observer with Company C, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 10 May 1967. During Operation UNION, Company C commenced an assault against an estimated battalion of North Vietnamese Regulars which was entrenched in heavily fortified positions on Hill 100 in the Suoi Cho Dun Valley. Unable to take the enemy positions under fire with his 81-mm. mortars, Corporal Winston unhesitatingly assumed control of the second platoon’s left flank when he observed that the platoon commander and a squad leader had sustained wounds. While the platoon sergeant was heavily engaged on the right of the platoon sector, Corporal Winston ably directed a heavy volume of fire against the enemy. On four separate occasions during the action, he fearlessly exposed himself to the intense hostile fire to carry wounded Marines to positions of relative safety. After removing the casualties from the unprotected area, he continued to expose himself to the heavy fire to deploy his men in the center of the company’s defenses. His heroic and timely actions at great personal risk were an inspiration to all who observed him and were instrumental in preventing further injury to four Marine casualties. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Corporal Winston upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.