The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant William S. Pepper (MCSN: 0-32046), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a member of a patrol of Company A, Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion, Fleet Marine Force in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan and Tinian, Mariana Islands on the nights of 10 and 11 July 1944. Participating in a perilous reconnaissance of the beaches and reefs on the coasts of Japanese held Tinian Island, Second Lieutenant Pepper swam ashore and despite the hazards of Japanese patrols and fortifications, secured valuable information relative to beach obstacles, water depth and characteristics of the terrain. By his daring and courage, he contributed materially to the successful completion of this hazardous mission and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.