The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain William S. Vasconcellos (MCSN: 0-6554), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while a member of the First Battalion, Second Marines, Reinforced, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, for the period from 1 to 12 November 1942. On two occasions, Captain Vasconcellos, with utter disregard for his own personal safety in the face of heavy machine gun, sniper and mortar fire, led his company in attacks against heavy opposition. On November 3, during an assault on hostile positions, he constantly exposed himself to great danger in order to retain control of his company and organize his defense after he had captured his objective. His great courage in personally directing this operations and sustaining the morale of his company, despite a high percentage of casualties, reflects great credit upon his ability as a leader and upon the United States Naval Service.