The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant William Harold Dean (MCSN: 0-39505), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Commander of Company H, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 1 December 1950. Encountering a hail of intense, hostile automatic-weapons and small-arms fire from strongly entrenched and well-concealed enemy positions while moving up a ridge south of Yudam-ni with his platoon, First Lieutenant Dean bravely exposed himself to the hostile fire and proceeded to lead his men in a vigorous assault against the enemy. Mortally wounded while spearheading a final assault on the hostile positions, First Lieutenant Dean, by his outstanding leadership,, aggressive fighting spirit and unflinching devotion to duty, served to inspire all who observed him and contributed materially to the successful seizure of the assigned objective. His courageous actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.