Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Second Lieutenant

Unit:

Company K, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division "The Old Breed", U.S. Marine Corps

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Second Lieutenant William L. Willis (MCSN: 0-26169), United States Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism as Leader of a Rifle Platoon of Company K, Third Battalion, First Marines, First Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on enemy-held Peleliu, Palau Islands, 15 September 1944. Ordered to seize a thirty-foot high coral point of land which commanded the entire landing beach and from which the enemy were delivering devastating anti-boat and heavy machinegun fire on our personnel and landing craft on the beach, Second Lieutenant Willis led his men forward in a daring and skillful assault. During the fierce hand-to-hand conflict which reached a high pitch of intensity when he and his men had penetrated the Japanese ring of infantrymen and were assaulting the pillboxes themselves, Second Lieutenant Willis boldly crawled among the coral boulders with one other man to the flank of a concrete pillbox that was firing an anti-boat gun and, maneuvering himself to an advantageous but precarious position, hurled white phosphorous grenades at the embrasure, thereby enabling his comrade to encircle the pillbox and throw grenades into the exit. Through his outstanding leadership, courage and cool judgment under fire, Second Lieutenant Willis inspired his men to carry out a successful assault which, despite many casualties, resulted in the capture of this strongly-defended terrain feature, thereby eliminating a serious threat to the entire security of the beach. His gallant conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

General Orders: Spot Award, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 00497-45.