The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant William Villella, United States Navy, for gallantry in action as Commanding Officer of a tank-landing ship in the Solomon Islands on 16 June 1943. Lieutenant Villella was instrumental in saving his ship as well as the lives of crew and passengers by effectively directing fire fighting and damage control when his ship was subjected to several dive-bombing and strafing attacks which fired the highly inflammable cargo. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.