The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private William L. Stander (MCSN: 383870), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving aboard the U.S.S. CHICAGO (CA-29) during the engagement with enemy Japanese aircraft near Rennell Island on 29 and 30 January 1943. Seriously wounded by a bullet from a torpedo bomber which strafed the ship, Private Stander, with utter disregard for his own personal safety, refused to leave his station as gunner on a 20-mm.. machine gun and continued to fire two additional magazines of ammunition at hostile planes which swooped down toward the ship. Only after all enemy aircraft had been shot down or had retired did he allow himself to be replaced. His heroic fighting spirit and outstanding devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.