The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class William E. Ellisor (MCSN: 546956), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Platoon Runner of Company K, Third Battalion, Twenty-fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 15 March 1945. When effective sniper fire inflicted heavy casualties on a demolition team attempting to destroy a hostile cave, Private First Class Ellison volunteered to leave his place of safety and, after searching out the position, discovered another enemy machine gun located in a well-protected cave and, after courageously attacking the fortification, silenced the gun with grenades. His outstanding courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.