The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Hartley W. Alden (MCSN: 287608), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in command of a Reconnaissance Team serving with the Fourth Tank Battalion, Fourth Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, 15 June 1944. Courageously leading his men forward in the face of a pounding barrage of enemy mortar, artillery and machine gun fire, Corporal Alden quickly and efficiently made an observation of hostile territory, gathering information of vital importance to our forces before he was mortally wounded by an accurate burst of Japanese fire. By his splendid leadership and unflinching devotion to duty in the face of grave peril, Corporal Alden was an inspiration to his comrades, and his valiant conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.