The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Seaman Second Class William John Bieber (NSN: 9611503), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism in rescuing an injured enlisted man from being burned to death on board the U.S.S. ZELLARS (DD-777), which had been damaged by enemy planes near Okinawa, on 12 April 1945. Under conditions of great personal danger, and with complete disregard for his own safety, he entered a burning magazine to fight fires and rescue an enlisted man trapped by flames. His heroic conduct, performed in the face of great danger to himself, was outstand and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.