The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class William Jerome Burrey (MCSN: 1231281), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as an Automatic Rifleman of Company G, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 13 August 1952. Learning that his fire team leader had become a casualty when the squad was subjected to intense hostile mortar and artillery fire while defending a strategic point on the forward slope of “Bunker Hill,” Private First Class Burrey voluntarily left the safety of his foxhole and, bravely crawling across thirty yards of fire-swept terrain in full view of the enemy, placed the stricken man in a position of safety and sought out a Corpsman to attend to the wounded Marine. When his squad leader was wounded later by enemy shell fragments, he again exposed himself to heavy hostile fire and rushed down the slope to administer first aid to the casualty. Mortally wounded by enemy mortar fragments while attempting to carry the man to safety, Private First Class Burrey, by his outstanding courage, daring initiative and selfless efforts in behalf of his comrades, served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.