The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Carroll J. Williford (MCSN: 405409), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division against enemy Japanese forces during the Battle of the Koromokina River, Bougainville Island on November 7, 1943. Ordered to accompany the Regimental Executive Officer from the Regimental Command Post to the scene of action two miles distant along the front line of the beach defenses, Corporal Williford, fully realizing that the beach defense groups had been instructed to shoot anyone moving in the vicinity during the night and that they were unaware of the password, unhesitatingly stepped out in front and led the party along the shore, accurately estimating the positions of the defenses and challenging the groups to hold their fire until his party passed. Arriving successfully at the destination he stood watch over the Command Post for the remainder of the night to protect it from enemy patrols and the following day repeatedly exposed himself to intense hostile fire, carrying messages for his commanding officer, guiding officers and conducting units into position. As the lines advanced during the final attack, Corporal Williford fearlessly plunged into the thickest jungle despite the presence of enemy snipers and locating a cache containing invaluable Japanese intelligence information, subsequently directed the Division Intelligence Officers to the area where they collected much vital data. Corporal Williford’s splendid initiative and valiant devotion to duty under extremely difficult conditions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.