The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal William Anthony Biraga (MCSN: 353622), United States Marine Corps Reserves, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company I, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Cape Gloucester, New Britain, on 26 December 1943. Advancing under heavy hostile fire, Corporal Biraga led a group of six men behind a General Sherman tank in a determined assault against enemy pillboxes and, although severely wounded during the ensuing battle, continued to direct his men against the Japanese position until the hostile pillboxes were put out of action. His courageous leadership and valiant fighting spirit were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.