(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Hospitalman Apprentice First Class William I. Ditch, United States Navy, was awarded the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity on 20 April 1942 while serving with the Fourth Marine Regiment in the Philippine Islands. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.