The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Hercules M. Alfano (MCSN: 314356), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Headquarters and Service Company, Headquarters Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, from 15 to 17 September 1944. Landing on the beach with the assault battalion in the face of intense enemy fire, Corporal Alfano rendered invaluable assistance to the Regimental Demolition Officer in clearing the reef and beach of personnel and tank mines. Working untiringly to disarm enemy mines on a heavily mined sand pit prior to his battalion’s attack against the southwest peninsula on 17 September, he fearlessly defied enemy fire to clear this area and, by his courageous efforts, enabled friendly assault units supported by tanks and flame throwers safely to cross the pit. By his courage and devotion to duty throughout these hazardous operations, Corporal Alfano upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.