The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain William J. King (MCSN: 0-13086), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company D, Second Battalion, Twenty-seventh Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 22 February 1945. Directed to move his unit into the front lines shortly after midnight, Captain King promptly organized his company and, braving the danger both from friendly and enemy fire involved in moving about the front lines at night, proceeded forward to make a thorough reconnaissance and then to lead his unit into position. By taking immediate action, he prevented enemy infiltration and kept the front lines intact the remainder of the night. Although the lines were still pinned down by enemy small-arms and mortar fire on the following morning, he assumed command of the adjacent unit which had sustained heavy casualties during the night and was disorganized. Moving through the lines to reorganize the company, Captain King enabled his unit to repulse enemy infiltration and small counterattack attempts. His skilled leadership, courage and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.