The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant William J. Weatherly (MCSN: 362015), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Squad Leader serving with the FIRST Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces in the New Britain Area on December 28, 1943. Thrown against a numerically superior enemy force when his company was extending the perimeter of a defensive area, Sergeant Weatherly fought valiantly in the face of overwhelming opposition and when his platoon leader was seriously wounded, promptly directed his squad to new firing positions. Unhesitatingly risking his life under fierce enemy fire, Sergeant Weatherly then carried the wounded platoon leader for a distance of twenty-five yards through an open field to a place of comparative safety. His inspiring courage and initiative were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.