The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal William Stanley Skura (MCSN: 460504), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Squad Leader, serving with Company D, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Okinawa, Ryukyu Island, on 9 June 1945. Observing that a friendly adjacent unit was halted by heavy fire from two caves mutually supported on both flanks, Corporal Skura unhesitatingly advanced alone and opened fire on the enemy emplacements in the face of heavy opposition, killing three of the Japanese by rifle fire before he was forced to withdraw in the face of superior fire power. Undaunted, he secured hand grenades and, again advanced alone, grimly pressed home his courageous single-handed attack against heavy odds until fatally wounded by hostile rifle fire from his flank. By his outstanding fortitude and determined aggressiveness, he made a singular contribution to the ultimate elimination of a bitterly defended enemy strong point, thereby enabling our forces to continue their advance. His valiant devotion to duty throughout reflects great credit upon Corporal Skura and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.