The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant William G. Curran, Jr. (MCSN: 0-53752), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Patrol Leader of Company C, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 20 October 1952. When a company patrol and supply train were ambushed and cut off from friendly forces by the enemy while en route to a combat outpost, Second Lieutenant Curran unhesitatingly volunteered to lead a patrol in an attempt to aid the beleaguered unit. Reaching the scene of action, he moved forward with one other Marine to draw the fire of a hostile machine gun and, when within range, threw hand grenades into the enemy position, silencing the gun. Although painfully burned when the hostile force threw out an impenetrable screen of concussion and white phosphorous grenades, he again assaulted the enemy machine gun position with hand grenades and silenced the gun which had been re-manned during the hostile barrage. When a severely wounded Marine in need of immediate evacuation was brought to the perimeter of the outpost, Second Lieutenant Curran directed his main force to return to friendly lines and, accompanying five men through the exposed area to the wounded man, assisted in carrying him to safety despite continuous sniper fire. By his valiant fighting spirit, daring initiative and selfless efforts in behalf of others, he served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.