The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal William J. Selby (MCSN: 813923), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a member of the Observation Post Team of the Twenty-fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 19 February to 16 March 1945. When the Officer in Charge of the observation post was mortally wounded on 22 February, Corporal Selby twice braved heavy mortar fire to obtain medical aid and to remove papers of value to the enemy from the officer’s person. Serving as Non-commissioned Officer in Charge of the observation post on 10 March, he again exposed himself to intense hostile sniper fire which had thwarted three previous attempts to reach the body of one of the observers and succeeded in removing a valuable map to prevent its falling into Japanese hands. His initiative, courageous leadership and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Corporal Selby and the United States Naval Service.