The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Hospitalman William E. Reese (NSN: 5713238), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Infantry Company of the FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 7 and 8 March 1951. Serving as a Medical Corpsman, Hospitalman Reese displayed outstanding courage and initiative in the performance of his duties. Moving with the company in the attack of a series of strongly defended enemy positions, he fearlessly and with complete disregard for his personal safety exposed himself constantly to withering enemy mortar, automatic weapons and small arms fire to render aid to casualties despite a painful wound in the hand. When the company was forced to dig in for the night in a small area swept by enemy mortar and sniper fire, he courageously refused to seek cover, remaining exposed throughout the night to give aid and comfort to the wounded. During the continuation of the attack at dawn he continued his fearless devotion to duty until he was wounded for a second time, and forced to submit to evacuation. Hospitalman Reese’s great personal bravery and heroic actions were an inspiration to all who observed him, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.