The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Sergeant William F. Eldridge (MCSN: 256274), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company C. First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese force on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 2 March 1945. With his company pinned down by heavy rifle, machine-gun and mortar barrages, First Sergeant Eldridge proceeded across open terrain under intense hostile fire to a more favorable operating position and, spraying an enemy emplacement with bullets and hand grenades, succeeded in destroying a Japanese machine gun and in killing its crew. When fierce hand-to-hand combat caused a shortage of the company’s grenade supply, First Sergeant Eldridge again exposed himself to hostile fire in order to designate friendly troops to an ammunition party and was mortally wounded before he could regain his former position. His daring initiative, indomitable fighting spirit and heroic devotion to duty in the face of grave danger were important factors in the success of his company’s mission and reflect the highest credit upon First Sergeant Eldridge and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.