The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Sidney J. Altman (MCSN: 0-7748), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company E, Second Battalion, Twenty-First Marines, THIRED Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Guam, Mariana Islands, on 21 and 22 July 1944. Displaying sound judgment and tactical control when his right assault platoon was pinned down by overwhelming enemy fire, Captain Altman continued to move on the objective with his left flank platoon and, despite intense hostile fire, personally directed the fire of his mortars and machine guns to disperse the Japanese and seize the vital objective. In the face of further enemy fire a short while later, he advanced alone beyond the friendly defense line and returned a wounded man to safety. Staunchly fighting off repeated counterattacks during the night, he placed his command post on the front line to exercise better control and to direct more effective mortar and artillery fire, and steadfastly held his position throughout the night despite heavy casualties. Threatened by a Japanese break through his defense at daybreak, he promptly ordered the placing of an artillery barrage perilously close to his sector and, although painfully wounded by hostile hand grenades, succeeded in repelling the enemy attack before being evacuated from the area. By his professional skill, inspiring leadership and devotion to duty, Captain Altman contributed to the success of his company’s mission and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.