The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class William L. Corley (MCSN: 506592), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company E, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands on 18 September 1944. Hearing a cry from a hill abandoned by his company following a relentless enemy shelling attack, Private First Class Corley courageously defied intense enemy fire to return alone to the hazardous area and although severely wounded himself during the operation, succeeded in carrying the wounded man to a place of comparative safety. Voluntarily returning to his company following medical treatment he continued in the fierce action until subsequently wounded a second time and evacuated from the area. By his courage, initiative and concern for the welfare of another, Private First Class Corley upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.