The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant William B. Bauerschmidt (MCSN: 0-22663), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry as a Platoon Leader attached to the Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Ngesebus and Peleliu, Palau Islands, from 15 September to 5 October 1944. A forceful and inspiring leader, Second Lieutenant Bauerschmidt carried out his difficult and hazardous assignment of neutralizing enemy caves during the operations on Ngesebus and contributed in a large measure to the success of our forces on this highly strategic island. Subsequently continuing his courageous efforts at Peleliu, he personally led a small reconnaissance party up the side of a steep cliff in the face of heavy automatic and sniper fire to determine whether or not the position was tenable in order to avoid unnecessary casualties among his men and, discovering that the entire area was exposed to intense hostile fire, attempted to descend the cliff to report his findings, but was mortally wounded before his mission could be completed. Second Lieutenant Bauerschmidt’s brilliant initiative and great personal valor under extremely perilous conditions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.