The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major William J. Piper, Jr. (MCSN: 0-5401), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Executive Officer of the Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Cape Gloucester, New Britain on the afternoon of January 3, 1944. With utter disregard for his own personal safety Major Piper continually exposed himself to heavy enemy rifle, machine gun and mortar fire and moving from company to company in his front lines, often within a few yards of well concealed hostile positions strongly entrenched along a river, skillfully and daringly assisted his battalion across. By his extreme bravery and fearless devotion to duty, Major Piper contributed in a large measure to the success of his forces in over running and destroying the Japanese in this vital area and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.