The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel Sidney J. Altman (MCSN: 0-7748), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as a Battalion Commander in the FIRST Marine Division during operations against the enemy in Korea from 20 August to 6 December 1952. Lieutenant Colonel Altman displayed outstanding professional skill and a superior degree of leadership and courage in directing the functions of his unit, both in combat and in training periods. Exhibiting tactical brilliance and keen understanding of enemy capabilities, he skillfully welded his battalion into a highly efficient fighting organization, ready to meet the enemy under any condition. Disregarding his personal comfort, he worked long hours to maintain the high military standards achieved by his unit. Lieutenant Colonel Altman’s courageous leadership, loyalty and selfless devotion to duty contributed materially to the success of the regiment’s assigned missions. His skilled services and exemplary conduct were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Colonel Altman is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
ColonelDivision:
1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMFAction Date:
September 11, 1966 – May 31, 1967
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Sidney J. Altman (MCSN: 0-7748), United States Marine Corps, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, from 11 September 1966 to 31 May 1967, in the Republic of Vietnam. (Colonel Altman is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
CaptainBatallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
21st MarinesDivision:
3d Marine DivisionAction Date:
July 21 – 22, 1944
Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 00435 (February 12, 1945)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.