The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain William J. Dickinson (MCSN: 0-7852), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of an Anti-Tank Battery attached to the FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces at Borgen Bay, New Britain, on 27 December 1943. When an enemy breakthrough suddenly threatened as his battery moved without organic weapons or machine guns into a defensive position on the flank of the front lines after carrying ammunition all the previous night, Captain Dickinson fearlessly led his men into the battle lines to within twenty-five yards of hostile machine guns and heroically fought the enemy despite the lack of foxholes and emplacements. Captain Dickinson’s inspiring leadership and unflinching courage in the face of grave danger contributed materially to the frustration of the hostile attack, and his conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.