The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Hospitalman Third Class William Ray Broad (NSN: 3532751), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospitalman Third Class Broad distinguished himself by intrepid actions while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company M, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action on 28 January 1967, in Quang Ngai Province, during Operation DESOTO. During a river crossing by a Marine company making a sweep into enemy-controlled territory, a well-armed enemy force opened fire on the point of the patrol. Petty Officer Broad left cover and began the perilous trip forward to aid wounded Marines. He was seriously wounded, but stopped only long enough to treat himself, then crawled on to the wounded men to administer first aid. He continued to treat wounded Marines, exposing himself to the heavy fire, until wounded again, this time mortally. His courageous and inspiring actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.