The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant William J. Nietschmann (MCSN: 0-47641), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Rifle Platoon Commander in Company C, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 2 October 1950. Braving vigorous hostile opposition during a two-hour assault on strategically located enemy positions, First Lieutenant Nietschmann succeeded in maneuvering his platoon close to the objective where intense, damaging fire halted his advance. Ordered to move his platoon to a covered position to permit further softening of the hostile emplacements by a friendly close air strike, he observed three casualties lying in an open area near the front lines and, undaunted by the continued enemy barrage, fearlessly covered their evacuation to a protected area. Reorganizing his group following the air attack, he skillfully led his platoon in seizing its objective and in completing its mission. A courageous and daring leader, First Lieutenant Nietschmann, by his tactical ability and indomitable devotion to duty, upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.