The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Platoon Sergeant William I. Yount (MCSN: 221579), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the Second Marine Raider Battalion during an attack along the Numa Numa-Piva trail, Bougainville Island, British Solomon Islands, on 8 November 1943. Leading a demolition squad under cover of darkness on a hazardous mission to place explosive charges along a trail near enemy lines, Platoon Sergeant Yount courageously repelled a sudden attack by ten Japanese soldiers armed with automatic weapons. Choosing a companion, he advanced toward the hostile unit and, firing his gun with grim determination, succeeded in killing at least six of the attackers and dispersing the remainder. Platoon Sergeant Yount’s brilliant leadership and aggressive fighting spirit, which enabled his squad to fulfill its mission and return to our lines without loss of life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Untied States Naval Service.