The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal William Early (MCSN: 395562), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Squad Leader of Company G, Third Battalion, Twenty-ninth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 17 April 1945. Observing a squad of hostile troops pulling a heavy fieldpiece into the mouth of a cave, Corporal Early immediately left his squad and, despite the great danger involved, rushed forward alone in the face of heavy rifle fire to the mouth of the cave. After reaching the position, he succeeded in destroying the gun and its crew, thereby permitting the immediate continuation of the platoon’s advance. Corporal Early’s courage, initiative and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Unites States Naval Service.