The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Graham MacRae Allen (MCSN: 334729), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Fire Team Leader with the First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu Island, Palau Group, 15 September 1944. Observing a Japanese pillbox firing upon an adjacent unit, Private First Class Allen maneuvered his fire team into a position to fire effectively upon the enemy emplacement and, despite intense hostile rifle and machine gun fire, risked his life to advance, throwing two hand grenades into the pillbox and destroying a machine gun and its crew. Although mortally wounded while performing this heroic act, Private First Class Allen had contributed materially to the ultimate success of a vital campaign pointing toward further victories over the Japanese. His self-sacrificing spirit and courageous conduct in the face of grave peril were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.