The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal William J. Lynch (MCSN: 359111), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Machine Gun Squad Leader of Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Peleliu, Palau Islands, on 17 September 1944. During an attack against coral cliff strongly fortified by entrenched hostile troops, Corporal Lynch’s company boldly charged across the open slopes and received deadly enemy crossfire which inflicted heavy casualties and forced his company to withdraw to a covered area. Instead of falling back with the others, Corporal Lynch courageously rushed his squad forward in a desperate attempt to neutralize the hostile fire and, from a position half-way up the ridge, delivered effective fire which enabled his company to reorganize and advance to its objective with a minimum number of casualties. His daring initiative, coolness and aggressive fighting spirit under heavy fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.