The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private William T. Nelson, Jr. (MCSN: 516536), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Member of an Ammunition Loading Detail of Company C. Third Motor Transport Battalion, Service Troops, THIRD Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Empress Augusta Bay Area, Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 7 and 8 November 1943. Forced by Japanese machine gun fire to take cover in an enemy slit trench after landing on the beach, Private Nelson left his position to reconnoiter in the direction of the enemy barrage. Locating a hostile pillbox whish was delivering enfilade fire he worked his way to the rear and, with the aid of another Marine, rushed the Japanese emplacement and killed its occupants. Private Nelson’s courageous initiative, cool judgment and indomitable fighting spirit throughout he mission contributed materially to the success of our operations in this area and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.