The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class William R. Laundry (MCSN: 1314802), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as an Automatic Rifleman of Company A, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 1 February 1953. When his squad was dispatched to assist in evacuating the casualties from a combat outpost subjected to heavy enemy mortar and machine gun fire, Private First Class Laundry, realizing that it was vitally necessary for his outfit to gain fire superiority over the hostile force before the wounded could be evacuated, unhesitatingly volunteered to man a machine gun in a position where three other gunners had previously been hit by intense enemy fire. Although mortally wounded while attempting to bring effective fire to bear on the enemy, Private First Class Laundry, by his bravery and aggressive fighting spirit, served to inspire his fellow Marines in their efforts to reduce the fire power of the hostile force, enabling the evacuation to be completed without further losses. His outstanding courage and exceptional initiative in the face of great odds were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.