The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private William Arthur Atkins (MCSN: 964490), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Forward Observer for the 81-mm. Mortar Platoon of Headquarters Company, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 13 May 1945. Undeterred by intense enemy small arms and mortar fire which had held up the advance of his company, Private Atkins boldly made his way through the concentration of an extremely exposed position atop a ridge, carrying a reel of wire and a telephone and, spotting an enemy field gun, calmly and effectively directed mortar fire upon the hostile fieldpiece, silencing the weapon. By his undaunted courage in the face of grave peril, Private Atkins aided materially in the successful completion of his company’s mission and his resolute conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.