The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant William L. Mees (MCSN: 2077837), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company B, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 5 May 1969, while Staff Sergeant Mees’ platoon was occupying a defensive position, the Marines came under a vicious ground attack by a North Vietnamese Army company. Throughout the ensuing fierce engagement, Staff Sergeant Mees repeatedly exposed himself to the intense enemy fire as he moved from one Marine position to another to ascertain the welfare of his men, to encourage them and to ensure that every possible avenue of hostile approach was adequately covered by fire. After the enemy broke contact, he led a small group of Marines forward of the defensive perimeter and was searching the area when the main body of the platoon came under a heavy volume of mortar fire. Returning to his unit’s emplacement, and observing that the platoon commander had been seriously wounded, Staff Sergeant Mees unhesitatingly assumed command and seemingly oblivious to the hostile rounds impacting around him, skillfully reorganized the defensive positions to counter an imminent ground attack, while simultaneously supervising the evacuation of the casualties. Although seriously injured himself, he steadfastly refused to leave the combat area and, seizing the initiative, launched an aggressive assault against the hostile soldiers, causing them to break contact and retreat. His heroic and determined actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in inflicting numerous casualties upon the enemy. By his courage, aggressive leadership and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Staff Sergeant Mees upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.