The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Captain William S. Moriarty (MCSN: 0-77897), United States Marine Corps, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as United States Marine Corps Assistant Task Force Advisor to Vietnamese Marines, on 30 and 31 July 1967, during Operation CORONADO II, near Lai Cay, Vietnam. Captain Moriarty was assigned the mission of assisting in the encirclement of over 1,000 Viet Cong concealed and well fortified in a thick treeline. He led the third wave of Vietnamese Marines into the battle, and was met by deadly mortar, rocket, automatic weapons, and small arms fire. In complete disregard for his own safety, Captain Moriarty maneuvered aggressively, keeping both superiors and subordinates informed as he directed fire and called for artillery, air strikes, and gunships. As the battle continued, Captain Moriarty bravely exposed himself to incredibly intense hostile fire in order to direct heliborne medical evacuation and to set up the Command Post. As night fell, it became evident that the Viet Cong were concentrating their fire upon the Post. Bullets ripped through the thatched hut, and at 0500 on 31 July, the enemy launched a desperate human wave assault upon the center of operations. Not until the fanatical insurgents rushed through the front door of the hut did Captain Moriarty leave. Running into a rice paddy, he quickly aided in rallying the friendly force, and, after an artillery barrage, participated bravely in the eventual rout of the enemy. Captain Moriarty’s heroic actions in close combat with a hostile force are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Marine Corps.