William Becton Wortham, Jr.

Sergeant, U. S. Marine Corps

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 43550
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant William B. Wortham, Jr. (MCSN: 250191), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the First Battalion, Fourteenth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 28 February 1945.
Under constant small arms and sporadic mortar fire, Sergeant Wortham led his section over difficult terrain to a position within seventy-five yards of an enemy pill box. Setting up the howitzer on the front lines, he directed accurate fire to destroy the hostile emplacement thereby permitting our troops to continue their advance. His coolness under fire, courageous leadership and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.