William Everett Ford

Colonel, U. S. Marine Corps

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 6028
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain William E. Ford (MCSN: 0-5027), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Naval Gunfire Office of the Third Joint Assault Signal Company, Headquarters Battalion, THIRD Marine Division, and operationally attached to the First battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division, during operations against enemy Japanese forces at Guam, Marianas Islands, on 21 and 22 July 1944.
Landing on Asan Beach with the assault waves of the First Battalion, Captain Ford immediately set up his radio communications system in an advanced position and, courageously disregarding a constant hail of enemy gunfire, remained steadfast at his exposed station, accurately spotting and calling for naval gunfire support. Although under a relentless barrage of enemy fire, he personally supervised the laying of a vital telephone line from the regimental command post to his observation station on 22 July, and subsequently relayed important information concerning troop dispositions, terrain and enemy activities.
When all officers and many non-commissioned officers of a rifle company in the vicinity of his observation post had been killed or wounded, Captain Ford heroically assumed command of the remaining company, maintain it in the action until an infantry officer could be sent to relieve him on the following day. By his aggressive initiative, gallant fighting spirit and courageous leadership, Captain Ford contributed essentially to the success of our forces in this strategic area and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.