The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant William J. Coogan (MCSN: 0-31645), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Platoon Leader of Company F, Second Battalion, Twenty-fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Island on 23 February 1945. When one of his men was wounded during the platoon’s advance and needed medical treatment, Second Lieutenant Coogan braved heavy enemy fire to go to the aid of the casualties and after rendering first aid remained with the wounded man in an exposed position until medical corpsmen could come forward and evacuate him. During this time, he continued to direct the attack of his platoon in the completion of its assignment and maintained efficient radio contact with his Company Commander keeping him constantly informed of the situation. His unselfish conduct, skillful leadership and unswerving devotion to duty reflect the highest credit on Second Lieutenant Coogan and the United States Naval Services.