The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry) William F. Murphy (ASN: 0-1283666), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 321st Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on Peleliu Island, Palau Group, 27 – 28 September 1944. During the progress of an attack Captain Murphy voluntarily led two men of his company on an extremely dangerous and highly important reconnaissance Mission which had as its purpose the establishment of contact with an adjacent company. It was necessary for the patrol to move over terrain known to be under enemy observation in order to accomplish its objective Despite all precautions to proceed without being detected, the patrol was observed by the enemy and Captain Murphy and another of the members was fatally wounded. Captain Murphy’s courageous actions on this occasion exemplified to his company the highest standards of devotion to duty and inspired all to greater effort.