The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Hospitalman William C. Woods (NSN: 2781398), 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 2 December 1952. Serving as a Corpsman assigned the mission of assisting and evacuating wounded Marines, Hospitalman Woods displayed outstanding courage, initiative and devotion to duty. When one of his comrades was seriously wounded and lying in an exposed position, he unhesitatingly advanced up the steep slope in the face of intense enemy mortar, machine gun and small arms fire to treat his wounds and evacuate him to friendly lines. During the evacuation, he noticed another Marine casualty lying in hostile territory. Expressing complete disregard for his personal safety, he immediately went to the man’s rescue and when he found it was impossible to move him alone, he summoned another Marines. As they dragged the casualty across a rice paddy, a distance of approximately two hundred and fifty yards under constant and devastating enemy mortar and machine gun fire, Hospitalman Woods lost one of his thermo boots. Although suffering frostbite as a result of the extreme cold, he continued with his mission until he was evacuated. Hospitalman Woods’ gallant and courageous actions served as an inspiration to all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.