The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant William F. Mead (MCSN: 334091), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Platoon Guide of Company E, Second Battalion, Twenty-sixth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 22 February 1945. Engaged in directing the movement of the left flank of his platoon, Sergeant Mead crawled forward through intense enemy fire on three different occasions and dragged wounded Marines to safety. While dragging the third Marine to a safe place, he was wounded himself, but though unable to walk and in great pain, remained in an exposed position and directed his unit until all the wounded members had been evacuated. His courageous leadership, fortitude and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.