The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant William Marcus Barschow (NSN: 0-642739), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in service with the Naval Advisory Group, U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, assisting friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict with Viet Cong guerrilla forces, from May 1964 to April 1965. During this period, Lieutenant Barschow was in more than fifty combat operations in Viet Cong-controlled territory. On 5 April 1965, the ship convoy in which he was participating came under sudden heavy enemy gunfire from both banks of the river. Maintaining his position at the side of his counterpart aboard the command craft, Lieutenant Barschow performed his advisory duties with exceptional bravery and effectiveness while subjected to the enemy fire, which wounded many men on the craft and temporarily silenced most of the ship’s guns. While momentarily standing alone and firing at a machine gun emplacement on the bank, Lieutenant Barschow was fatally wounded by enemy fire. By his courage and inspiring leadership, he contributed greatly to the eventual success of the convoy in breaking the enemy ambush and gaining a major victory. His heroic efforts were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.