The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant William H. Swisher (MCSN: 0-8530), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service while serving as Artillery Forward Observer with the First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area, 1 to 3 November 1942. With utter disregard for his own personal safety, and in the face of almost constant fire from enemy artillery, machine guns and snipers, First Lieutenant Swisher, with another officer, maintained continuous observation and communication. Even at such times when maintenance seemed impossible, he resolutely continued to call for and observe supporting artillery fires for his own and adjacent units whenever needed. His skill, fortitude and fearless devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.