The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant W. E. Batley (MCSN: 1124100), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Squad Leader of Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 8 April 1953. When the platoon commander and platoon sergeant were seriously wounded during an assault against an enemy-held installation, Sergeant Batley immediately assumed command of the unit and, organizing his men, led them in an assault against the hostile position until forced to withdraw because of the intensity of the enemy fire. Although painfully wounded, he skillfully reorganized his unit and led it to the safety of an assembly area, personally returning to the objective to aid in the evacuation of the wounded. With an enemy raiding party attempting to capture the wounded Marines, he successfully held off the attackers and fearlessly remained in his position until all of his comrades were removed from the danger area. By his skilled leadership, courageous initiative and inspiring devotion to duty, Sergeant Batley upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.