William C. Cross

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (posthumously) to Platoon Sergeant William C. Cross United States Marine for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Second Battalion, Sixth Marines, Second Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on the Island of Saipan in the Marianas, on 15 June 1944. Fearlessly reconnoitering an area heavily infested with Japanese troops, Platoon Sergeant Cross led his men into the position, capturing the commanding ground and skillfully closing a vulnerable gap in our lines. Determined and aggressive, he penetrated every part of the area, unhesitatingly risking his life numerous times to enter buildings and probe possible places of concealment as he cleared the way for the rest of his platoon. By his resolute initiative, indomitable fighting spirit and unfaltering courage in the face of savage, unceasing opposition, Platoon Sergeant Cross contributed essentially to the success of our forces in the Saipan operation, and his valiant devotion to duty throughout a period of fierce hostilities was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.