The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant William L. Culp (MCSN: 0-8305), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Assistant Wing Communications Officer of the FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing in action against enemy Japanese forces at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands from 14 November 1942 to 22 January 1943. During the first six weeks of this period of intense activity, First Lieutenant Culp was the only communications officer at his headquarters. In this capacity he personally supervised the installation maintenance and repair of vital telephone and radio communications, often exposing himself to severe enemy bombing and artillery fire in order to perform his essential duties more effectively. The cool courage and unswerving devotion to duty displayed by First Lieutenant Culp under extremely adverse conditions throughout the entire period contributed greatly to the success of that campaign and were an inspiration to his associated and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.