The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal William A. Gaul (MCSN: 469824), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company A, Fourth Engineer Battalion, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan and Tinian, Mariana Islands on the night of 6 July 1944. After enemy troops had occupied a building only twenty-five yards from our front lines and were effectively firing on our troops, and all other means to evict them had failed, Corporal Gaul courageously assisted in placing demolition charges in the building, thereby destroying the structure and neutralizing the position. As squad leader of an engineering assault squad employing flame throwers and demolitions, he personally led his men in numerous assaults on enemy-held pillboxes, caves and dugouts. His leadership, coolness under fire and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.