The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Platoon Sergeant William W. Wilson, Jr. (MCSN: 35500), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with the THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), during the landing attack at Cape Torokina, Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 1 November 1943. With his platoon leader a casualty and the platoon disorganized by devastating Japanese fire during the landing, Platoon Sergeant Wilson gallantly assumed command and, although exposed to close range enemy observation and fire, reorganized the men and led them in fierce attacks against enemy emplacements. When the action was most desperate and the platoon immobilized, Platoon Sergeant Wilson, alone and armed only with an automatic rifle, unhesitatingly charged a hostile bunker which was stopping the advance of his troops and, fighting valiantly with an invincible spirit, killed nineteen of its defenders and enabled his men to capture the position. Severely wounded during this bitter action, he refused to be evacuated and gallantly continued to lead the platoon in further attacks. Platoon Sergeant Wilson’s splendid initiative and valiant fighting spirit were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.