The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant William S. Wardzala (MCSN: 331872), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Leader of a Mortar Section of Company C, First Battalion, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Saipan, Mariana Islands on 24 June 1944. When his company was subjected to a heavy barrage of enemy mortar and machine gun fire, Sergeant Wardzala proceeded to the front of the lines to act as mortar observer and directed the mortars of his company in stopping the hostile barrage. In addition he directed fire upon enemy tanks and buildings, resulting in the withdrawal of the tanks and the destruction of two buildings containing approximately twenty-five enemy soldiers. His courage, initiative and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.