The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Hospital Corpsman Second Class William E. Martinez (NSN: 3726155), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a Corpsman attached to a Marine Infantry Company of the FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 5 April 1951. Hospital Corpsman Second Class Martinez, attached to a rifle platoon, displayed outstanding courage, aggressiveness and ability in the performance of his duties. During an assault against a well-entrenched enemy, he noted that several Marines in the assault platoon were wounded. Unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, he moved forward in the face of intense enemy fire and administered first aid to the wounded. Although continually subjected to enemy fire, he painstakingly stopped the hemorrhage of one man whose jugular vein had been severed by shrapnel and subsequently treated a total of six men. With admirable professional skill, he remained with the wounded until all could be evacuated. His outstanding ability and courage were directly instrumental in saving the life of one Marine and minimizing the wounds of five others, thereby serving as an inspiration for all who observed him. Hospital Corpsman Second Class Martinez’s heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.