The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain William E. Roques (MCSN: 0-10801), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane and Division Leader temporarily attached to Air Group Eighty-two on board the U.S.S. BNNINGTON (CV-20), in action against Japanese forces in the vicinity of the Kure Naval Base, Southwest Honshu, Japan, on 19 March 1945. Intercepted by a vastly outnumbering force of hostile aircraft while en route to carry out a strike against Japanese fleet units, Captain Roques immediately led his division in furious counterattack despite the tremendous odds and, pressing home a vigorous attack in the face of terrific antiaircraft fire, personally destroyed one enemy plan and contributed materially to the success of his squadron in the destruction of nine Japanese aircraft and the damaging of seven others. Boldly continuing the fierce engagement, he repeatedly struck with determined aggressiveness as he fought off hostile air forces intent upon destroying the damaged planes of his squadron teammates and aided in the safe return to base of all but two of the original strike group. By his brilliant leadership, daring combat tactics and great personal valor, Captain Roques upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.