The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Joseph R. Alvarez (MCSN: 479918), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Tank Gunner of the First Tank Battalion, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 16 June 1945. While engaged in evacuating wounded Marines from a position forward of friendly lines to the Battalion Aid Station, Sergeant Alvarez voluntarily and courageously exposed himself to hostile machine gun and sniper fire to ride on the back of his tank, giving aid to the wounded men and protecting them with his body. Although wounded while riding in this precarious position, he continued to make several trips before consenting to having his own wounds treated. His courage, selfless actions and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Sergeant Alvarez and the United States Naval Service.