The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class William F. McChesney (MCSN: 549024), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Member of a Marine Rifle Platoon, of Company G, Second Battalion, Twenty-Fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, on 12 March 1945. When the advance of his platoon was held up by a barrage of hostile hand grenades coming from a defiladed position which prevented a small-arms attack, Private First Class McChesney unhesitatingly moved forward alone, with a box of grenades, through withering fire from concealed snipers to return the barrage and cover the advance of his platoon. After the enemy was silenced and while he was still throwing the grenades, he was hit by a Japanese sniper, causing him to fall on one of his own grenades and sustain mortal wounds from the resulting explosion. By his fearless initiative and utter disregard for his own personal safety, Private First Class McChesney enabled his platoon to achieve its objective and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.