The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain William K. Crawford (MCSN: 0-8304), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company K, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division during action on enemy Japanese held Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 25 February 1945. With his company hit by intense hostile automatic weapons and mortar fire and suffering numerous casualties, Captain Crawford went forward in the face of withering enemy fire, moving along his assault line from platoon to platoon to rally his men and direct their fire and movement until he fell mortally wounded. By his outstanding bravery and gallant leadership he inspired his men and was instrumental in advancing the attack of his company against tremendous opposition. His fierce onslaught against the Japanese position which proved to be a part of the main line of resistance on Iwo Jima, cause so many casualties among enemy defenders and so weakened the line that a subsequent attack at that point resulted in the capture of the vital ground with comparative ease. His extraordinary courage and heroic conduct reflect the highest credit upon Captain Crawford and the United States Naval Service. Captain William K. Crawford gallantly gave his live for his country.