The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal William R. Whitford (MCSN: 490331), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the First Tank Battalion, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu Island, Palau Group from 15 to 19 September 1944. Although severely shaken when his tank was disabled in running over a land mine, Corporal Whitford unhesitatingly made his way through bitter, concentrated enemy fire to another tank and volunteered to replace a wounded member of the crew. On the following day, voluntarily assuming the duties of tank commander after two succeeding commanders had become casualties he fearlessly exposed himself from the turret in order to pick out enemy positions on the ridges directing his tank in support of the infantry until 19 September, when he was mortally wounded while issuing fire orders in the face of a direct enemy attack. His dauntless courage and unfaltering devotion of duty at the risk of his own life reflected great credit upon Corporal Whitford and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.