The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class William H. Rowell (MCSN: 348358), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company G, Second Battalion, Twenty-second Marines (Reinforced), First Provisional Marine Brigade, in action against Japanese forces on Engebi Island, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands, 18 February 1944. Exposing himself to hostile fire after having advanced to a suspected sniper position in company with a comrade, Private First Class Rowell drew the sniper’s fire enabling his comrade to discover and destroy the enemy. Repeating this procedure numerous times, he contributed materially to the elimination of several snipers. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.