The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal W. L. Denman (MCSN: 259113), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Squad Leader of a Rifle Platoon serving with the Second Battalion, Twenty-Fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands from 15 June to 10 July 1944. When his company was pinned down on the final objective, Corporal Denman skillfully maneuvered his men into effective firing positions against well-concealed enemy riflemen at close range, thereby enabling his group to evacuate seriously wounded Marines. Subsequently leading a patrol to mop up pockets of resistance along the beach, he successfully cleared the area of hostile troops, fearlessly exposing himself to take at least twenty-five prisoners. By his heroic fighting spirit and cool courage under fire, Corporal Denman contributed essentially to the ultimate success of our vital mission on this strategically important Japanese stronghold, and his unwavering devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.