The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal William L. Smith (MCSN: 4747548), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a member of a Forward Observation Team of Battery P, Fifth Battalion, Eleventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 22 May 1945. While participating in the repulse of a counterattack by a strong Japanese force heavily armed with grenades, mortars and automatic weapons, Corporal Smith heard a seriously wounded Marine call for aid and crawled beyond the front lines to his assistance. Exposing himself to vicious enemy cross-fire, he carried the wounded man to safety and then collapsed from mortal wounds. His courageous conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.