The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Sergeant William P. Fort, Jr. (MCSN: 251498), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Platoon Leader of Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 19 March 1945. Seeking to discover the source of the heavy enemy rifle and machine gun fire which was harassing his platoon, First Sergeant Fort fearlessly exposed himself to the fire and observed that it came from a large blockhouse. Calling for tank support, he personally led the tanks into advantageous firing positions, and, in the face of hostile fire, resolutely held his position and directed the fire of the tanks until the enemy stronghold was destroyed. His courage and unfaltering leadership throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.