The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class William W. Ervin (MCSN: 356147), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company I, Third Battalion, Eighth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, 15 June 1944. Although wounded himself and separated from his platoon during intense artillery barrages directed against the assault waves and beach area, Private First class Ervin courageously exposed himself to the continuing fire to render first aid to the wounded and conduct the seriously wounded men to the beach for evacuation. On one occasion, he lifted an unconscious man to his shoulders and, braving heavy artillery fire which had pinned down all others in the area, carried him to apposition of comparative security. His courage, initiative and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.