The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain John G. Aldworth (MCSN: 0-12817), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company C, First Engineer Battalion, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, 4 October 1944. When one of his platoons came under heavy enemy machine gun and small arms fire from a higher, enemy-held ridge while in possession of a dominating position, Captain Aldworth took personal charge of the action and moved continuously along his front lines, reassuring his men and improving their positions until he was wounded in the arm and chest. Despite his wounds, he refused evacuation until he had controlled the successful withdrawal of elements of his command to a less exposed area. His leadership, courage and gallant spirit of service reflect the highest credit upon Captain Aldworth and the United States Naval Service.