The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant William H. Agnew (MCSN: 0-23460), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Forward Observer of Battery K, Fourth Battalion, Fifteenth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 12 April 1945. When the infantry battalion to which he was attached was pinned down by extremely heavy machinegun and mortar fire which caused many casualties, First Lieutenant Agnew unhesitatingly advanced alone to a high point beyond the front lines and, although continually exposed to hostile gunfire, directed devastating artillery fire which destroyed one 20-mm. gun, three machine guns and three mortars. By his heroic and skillful action, he enabled the infantry battalion to disrupt the enemy defenses, organize the high ground for the night and place themselves in a position to launch an attack the next morning. His initiative, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.