The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal William Wuertz, Jr. (MCSN: 331813), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity on or about 8 July 1944, while serving with the SECOND Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands and Saipan, Mariana Islands. When his company encountered withering fire from Japanese guns on Saipan, Corporal Wuertz skillfully led his squad to a forward exposed position from which to direct vigorous fire against the enemy thereby enabling his company to reform and carry out the attack successfully. Mortally wounded in this heroic action, Corporal Wuertz, by his splendid initiative, inspiring leadership and outstanding courage under fire contributed essentially to the ultimate success of our missions in these strategically important islands and his unfaltering devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.