The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant William E. Gallant (MCSN: 350485), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Peleliu Island, Palau Group, on 18 September 1944. When the tank operated by his squad was found to be in an untenable position and unable to advance or withdraw under a sudden hail of enemy machine-gun fire, Sergeant Gallant having detected the Japanese position, daringly climbed on the tank and opened fire, destroying the crew of the enemy machine-gun. Subsequently, while still occupying an exposed position on the tank he was mortally wounded by machine-gun fire from a nearby enemy emplacement. By his exceptional combat skill and cool, determined courage, Sergeant Gallant inspired the entire squad and aided materially in the fulfillment of his company’s mission. His unwavering devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest tradition of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.