The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class William C. Verner (MCSN: 1139013), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Radioman of Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 8 April 1953. Although painfully wounded during the height of the intense fighting on the objective when his squad was engaged in a night assault against a strongly fortified hostile position, Private First Class Verner fearlessly remained in position where he could effectively protect two wounded comrades and, continuing to maintain communications with his unit, courageously fought off the enemy with an automatic rifle. When help arrived, he remained until all the casualties had been evacuated and then dauntlessly proceeded to the hostile trench line alone to ascertain that none of his wounded comrades had been left there. While looking for the wounded, he killed or wounded several of the enemy who were attempting to follow the stretcher bearers. By his indomitable fighting spirit, fortitude and selfless devotion to duty, Private First Class Verner served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.