The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Herbert H. Allen, Jr. (MCSN: 366982), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Battery A, First Battalion, Tenth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Tinian, Mariana Islands, 2 August 1944. When five Japanese launched an attack against his machine gun post, Private First Class Allen instantly engaged the onrushing enemy and, in a fierce hand-to-hand struggle with sabers and pistols, helped to kill three of the enemy and forced the remainder to withdraw. His aggressive fighting spirit, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.