The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant William J. Stewart (MCSN: 0-13530), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while attached to the Third Marine Raider Battalion during a landing on Puruata Island, Solomon Islands, November 1, 1943. Assuming command of a platoon whose leader was severely wounded, First Lieutenant Stewart directed his men in an attack on a strongly fortified enemy position and, realizing that further advance was impossible in the face of withering enemy fire, expeditiously withdrew his platoon a short distance. Although wounded, he courageously remained in action to reorganize his group and lead it in a decisive second attack, thereby contributing materially to the destruction of the hostile position and the neutralization of organized enemy resistance to our occupation of the Island. First Lieutenant Stewart’s great personal valor and outstanding leadership throughout this crucial engagement were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.