The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant William J. Woitowicz, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with combat operations against the enemy while serving with the Second Marine Special Operations Battalion on 7 June 2011, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. As friendly elements moved south, the rear elements were pinned down while crossing the danger area. Realizing his teammates lives were in jeopardy and with total disregard for his own safety, he scaled a rock wall and began to engage the enemy with his Squad Automatic Weapon, allowing his teammates to maneuver to safety. As he continued suppression and attempted to return back over the wall, Sergeant Woitowicz received a fatal shot to the abdomen from enemy fire. His actions under fire proved to be the deciding factor that ultimately led the assault force to repel the enemy attack.