The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain William A. Gamble (MCSN: 0-13930), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Executive officer of Company H, Third Battalion, Twenty-ninth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, on 5 May 1945. Realizing the necessity of capturing a ridge from which the enemy was directing extremely heavy fire on his company and adjacent units, Captain Gamble courageously led his men in an aggressive assault against the ridge and, boldly moving along the line exposed himself to intense hostile fire to encourage and direct the members of his company. Although suffering from painful wounds sustained during the attack, he steadfastly refused to be evacuated and continued to lead the assault until the objective had been taken. By his able leadership, fortitude and determination, Captain Gamble upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.