The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class William E. York (MCSN: 348889), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company K, Third Battalion, Seventh Regiment, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, 4 October 1944. When his company was pinned down on a ridge by enemy machine-gun and small-arms fire, Private First Class York voluntarily advanced into an exposed area to locate a hostile machine-gun emplacement commanding the ridge and, undaunted by enemy fire, destroyed the hostile weapon with an automatic weapon. By his initiative and courage throughout this hazardous operation, Private First Class York enabled his company to continue its advance, and his devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.