The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class William J. Meyer (MCSN: 852139), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Rifle Platoon Runner of Company A, First Battalion, Twenty-Second Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, during operations against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa Shima, Ryukyu Islands, on 17 May 1945. During an assault against strong enemy positions situated on a hill, Private Meyer unhesitatingly risked his own life to proceed to the area under devastating hostile fire and, rendering aid to many casualties, succeeded in evacuating one of the more critically wounded men. His personal bravery, initiative and untiring efforts reflect the highest credit upon Private Meyer and the United States Naval Service.