The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant William S. Walker (MCSN: 0-18584), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader attached to the First Battalion, Twenty-third Marines, FOURTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on the Island of Saipan in the Marianas on 4 July 1944. Following the occupation of his battalion’s assigned objective, First Lieutenant Walker continued to advance with his platoon pushing steadily up strongly fortified Hill 767 and capturing the Japanese key position which commanded the entire vicinity. Requesting permission by radio, he fearlessly stationed himself in a strategic observation post and, skillfully spotting his powerful artillery fire upon the enemy, succeeded in annihilating a large number of Japanese troops and in forcing the remainder to abandon their deeply entrenched position. By his aggressive leadership, determined initiative and cool courage in the face of fanatic opposition, First Lieutenant Walker contributed materially to the success of our operations against this vital Japanese stronghold and his decisive conduct throughout a period of fierce hostilities upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.