The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant William H. Fischer (MCSN: 127507), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while a member of the First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal on August 16 and 29, and September 2, 1942. When fires were started in regimental munitions dumps and in aviation gasoline dumps, Staff Sergeant Fischer, unhesitatingly and on his own initiative, risked his life in the midst of exploding shells and burning gasoline drums to fight and control fires, thus preventing the loss of many lives and much essential material. His courageous devotion to duty reflects great credit upon the United States Naval Service.