The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant William C. Delk, Jr. (MCSN: 413531), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Squad Leader of Company F, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 4 May 1945. Observing that enemy rifle and machine-gun fire was causing many casualties and delaying his company during an advance through heavily-defended enemy territory, Sergeant Delk moved forward and destroyed two hostile machine-gun positions along with eight of the enemy troops, thereby enabling the company to continue its advance. His outstanding courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.