The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant William J. Gilwee, Jr. (MCSN: 0-53548), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Commander of Company C, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 23 December 1952. Leading a twenty-man combat patrol far forward of the main line of resistance under cover of darkness when the group was ambushed by the enemy and subjected to a devastating barrage of hostile mortar and small arms fire, First Lieutenant Gilwee refused first aid for his painful arm wound and attempted to call down friendly supporting fires on the enemy weapons. Again severely wounded when the hostile fire intensified during the action, and with several of his men becoming casualties, he skillfully directed a tactical withdrawal under fire, steadfastly remaining behind until assured that all the group were on the way to the main lines. When the patrol reached the safety of the main line of resistance, he accepted medical aid for his own wounds only after all the other casualties had been given immediate assistance. By his outstanding leadership, exceptional fortitude and unswerving devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Gilwee served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.