The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade William R. Marts (ASN: 35117516), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, from 9 January to 23 February 1945. Attached to a mechanized reconnaissance unit as a medical aid man, Corporal Marts displayed outstanding courage on many occasions when the Troop met and fought against large Japanese forces. He accompanied his unit on hazardous reconnaissance missions which often took him 25 to 30 miles in advance of the most forward Infantry elements. Once when six soldiers were seriously wounded by an enemy mortar shell, Corporal Marts ran 60 yards across an area open to hostile fire in order to help the soldiers back to a place of safety. He treated them while mortar shells dropped progressively nearer to him. On another occasion when 40 to 50 Japanese penetrated a forward command post, he went to the side of a burning vehicle and treated a critically wounded man while hostile machine gun bullets raked the ground about him. 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 Army.