The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Alfred M. Lichtman (MCSN: 0-7313), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while in command of Company I, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in combat against enemy Japanese forces on the eastern bank of the Matanikau River, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on the nights of 21 and 23 October, 1942. With utter disregard for his own personal safety and in the face of severe fire by overwhelming enemy forces, Captain Lichtman, by his superb leadership, skillful use of weapons, and fearless devotion to duty, turned back the hostile tanks and infantry and prevented the enemy advance. His extreme courage and inspiring command maintained the highest morale and fighting spirit of his men, and were in keeping with the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service.