The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Alfred M. Grottaglio (MCSN: 503145), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as an Assistant Machine Gunner in an Assault Platoon of Company K, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, 15 September 1944. When his gun was destroyed by enemy fire and the rest of the squad had become casualties, Private First Class Grottaglio voluntarily assisted in manning a captured Japanese heavy machine gun at a central point in our lines and, maintaining his position during a four hour enemy counterattack, aided directly in repulsing the enemy although his position bore the brunt of the attack. Mortally wounded during the fierce action, he refused to be carried from his post and resolutely continued to give battle until the Japanese were annihilated and he was ordered to be evacuated. His courage, initiative and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Grottaglio and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.