The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal [then Lance Corporal] William Thomas Parr (MCSN: 2358150), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company C, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 16 April 1968, Company C was moving to assist a friendly unit which was heavily engaged with a large North Vietnamese Army force near the Khe Sanh Combat Base when the Marines suddenly came under intense enemy small arms and mortar fire. During the initial moments of the firefight, several men fell wounded in an area dangerously exposed to the hostile fire. Disregarding his own personal safety, Corporal Parr fearlessly maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain and commenced administering first aid to the casualties. Unhesitatingly exposing himself to the accurate fire, he resolutely assisted several seriously injured comrades to a helicopter landing zone for medical evacuation. Corporal Parr’s bold initiative and resolute determination inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of several Marines. By his courage, sincere concern for the welfare of his fellow Marines, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Corporal Parr upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.