The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class William S. Freeman (MCSN: 852714), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Machine Gunner in a platoon of Company E, Second Battalion, Twenty-third Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 19 February 1945. When the other members of his squad became casualties under intense enemy mortar and artillery fire on the beach during the assault landing, Private First class Freeman carried his own mounted light machine gun and box of ammunition on each forward movement of his platoon, rendering effective supporting automatic fire during the advances. Although painfully wounded, he resolutely kept abreast of his company and kept his machine gun in action until fatally wounded by mortar fire. His courage, initiative and valiant fighting spirit were contributing factors in the success of his company’s mission and reflect the highest credit upon Private First class Freeman and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.