The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Seaman Second Class William Gastelum (NSN: 5555581), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving on board the Heavy Cruiser U.S.S. SAN FRANCISCO (CA-38), in the action against Japanese naval forces in the Solomon Islands area on the night of 12 – 13 November 1942. Seaman Second Class Gastelum entered a burning compartment to assist in rendering first aid and removing the wounded, and in fighting fires aboard ship. While engaged in this rescue work, he was killed by a burst of shrapnel. Seaman Second Class Gastelum’s gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.