The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant William K. Joyce, Jr. (MCSN: 0-53838), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Commander of Company E, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 6 – 7 September 1952. When his squad was subjected to an intense enemy artillery and mortar barrage while preparing to relieve an outpost forward of the main line of resistance, Second Lieutenant Joyce skillfully and expeditiously assisted in calling down supporting arms. With an overwhelming number of determined enemy troops assaulting the outpost defense perimeter before the destructive barrage had subsided, he quickly combined forces with the unit he was relieving and established a perimeter of defense on the reverse slope. From this position, he effectively directed defensive fires, inflicting heavy casualties upon the attackers and hurling them back in complete disorder. Although painfully wounded by flying shrapnel, he refused medical aid until all other wounded had been attended. By his aggressive fighting spirit, courageous leadership and unwavering devotion to duty, Second Lieutenant Joyce served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.