The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Warrant Officer William E. Rush (MCSN: WO-39938), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Forward Observer of a 105 mm. Howitzer Battalion, attached to the Fourteenth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the seizure of Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, on 21 February 1945. Undaunted by the shattering bursts of hostile mortar fire which held up our advancing infantry Battalions, Warrant Officer Rush unhesitatingly risked his life to crawl approximately fifty yards out on the fire-swept airstrip in an effort to locate the Japanese installations. Observing the frequent flash of the enemy’s firing mortars, he subsequently directed the full power of his howitzers against the hostile strong point in a smashing bombardment, neutralizing the Japanese gun batteries and enabling our forces to continue their relentless drive toward the objective. Later that night when the enemy initiated a savage counterattack, he brought his blanketing artillery fire within fifty yards of our front lines, remaining steadfast at his exposed station in the forward area despite deadly Japanese rifle fire to direct the accurate placing of his heavy salvos throughout a bitterly fought action which effectively repelled the Japanese assault. By his brilliant professional skill, bold decision and determined perseverance in the face of tremendous odds, Warrant Officer Rush contributed essentially to the crushing of fanatic enemy resistance in his sector and his cool courage throughout the fierce hostilities upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.