The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Alfred J. Bartkowski (MCSN: 881255), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Rifleman in an Assault Platoon of Company K, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, 15 September 1944. Severely wounded in hand-to-hand conflict during an attack against enemy positions on the north end of the beach, Private First Class Bartkowski refused evacuation in order to continue the assault with the remaining members of his platoon. Observing five Japanese in a trench, he attacked from the flank, shooting three and forcing the others to flee before he was ordered evacuated because of his weakened condition. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.