The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant William R. West (MCSN: 0-15328), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as a Platoon Leader attached to the Second Battalion, Second Battalion, Twenty-Fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the invasion of Namur Island, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, 1 February 1944. Immediately after landing, First Lieutenant West daringly led an assault on a hostile blockhouse and, throwing a smoke grenade through an embrasure, succeeded in driving approximately thirty-five of the enemy from their position. As they ran out, he sprang to his feet and, at great personal risk, opened fire with his revolver, killing and wounding a number of the Japanese and dispersing the others. A short time later, realizing that one of his men lay wounded about fifty yards away, he unhesitatingly exposed himself to heavy enemy machine-gun and rifle fire to go to the Marine’s assistance and bring him to cover. First Lieutenant West’s extreme bravery and inspiring devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.