The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Aviation Radioman First Class Aleck G. Alexander (NSN: 3686593), United States Navy, for gallantry in action at Kavieng, New Ireland, on 15 February 1944 while serving with Patrol Squadron THIRTY-FOUR (VP-34). These crew members of a PBY, answering radio distress calls, proceeded to this enemy base to rescue the crew of two B-25s which had crashed in the harbor after being hit by enemy fire. The lumbering slow seaplane was landed in full view of hostile shore batteries, despite six to eight-foot swells which damaged the hull of the aircraft. The enemy positions opened fire, and the heavy seas made it imperative that the PBY’s guns be closed inside to avoid shipping water. Six men were lifted from the water. Then the BPY, although subjected to increasing hostile fire, was flown to another part of the harbor and three more airmen were taken off a raft. The third landing was effected within 600 yards of Japanese guns, which lobbed 75-millimeter shells dangerously nearby, and for the next ten minutes, the left engine could not be started. However, the only thing found was a raft which showed signs of having been thoroughly strafed, and no personnel were found. Finally the PBY departed for its base, but when several miles away, a radio report was received of a fourth crew in the harbor. Although the aircraft was damaged and carrying personnel far in excess of its maximum complement and although it was doubtful that the engines would respond when cut off again, the crew unhesitatingly returned to the scene and rescued six more flyers, bring the total to fifteen. With absolutely no wind to aid the take off, the overloaded PBY was again flown from the rough seas and returned to its base, with the fuel supply almost depleted. The intrepidity and devotion to duty displayed on this occasion reflect the finest traditions of our armed forces.