The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Platoon Sergeant William G. Swenson (MCSN: 439949), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company I, Third Battalion, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 1 April 1945. When the ship on which he was embarked was attacked and set afire by enemy aircraft, Platoon Sergeant Swenson assisted dazed and shocked Marines to abandon ship, despite the hazards from exploding ammunition and intense heat. After entering the water, he towed a dazed and drowning man to a rescue vessel and swam back to the vicinity of the blazing ship through burning gasoline and debris to assist five more survivors to safety. His initiative, cool courage and unselfish devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.