The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Major Everett Vyron Alward (MCSN: 0-7174), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Marine Fighting Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-THREE (VMF-123), attached to the U.S.S. BENNINGTON (CV-20) operating against enemy Japanese forces in the Tokyo Area, 25 February 1945. Undaunted by reduced visibility and intense blasts from nearby shore batteries, Major Alward boldly countered intercepting hostile air patrols to launch an aggressive and determined strike on a large enemy cargo ship, braving concentrated anti-aircraft fire from the target to press home repeated attacks which severely damaged the vessel and set it ablaze. When his formation was attacked by a numerically superior force of aircraft, Major Alward courageously rallied his flight and skillfully fought off the Japanese until his plane was rendered inoperable. His able leadership and indomitable courage were contributing factors in the success of our mission in this vital theater of war, and his unwavering devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.