The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant William W. Wright (MCSN: 0-8563), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a platoon leader of Company I, Third Battalion, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands on 26 October 1942. Assigned the mission of leading his platoon then in battalion reserve, to engage in a counter attack in support of a critically pressed battalion, Second Lieutenant Wright conducted his platoon to the front through checked and wounded men who were withdrawing in the face of fierce enemy grenades and rifle fire. Under his forceful leadership, his unit charged the enemy with bayonets causing the hostile forces to retreat in disorder and thereby relieved the pressure on the engaged battalion. By his indomitable fighting spirit and leadership he contributed materially to the success of the counter attack. His devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.