The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Albert J. Doherty (MCSN: 0-8688), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company E, Second Battalion, fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Peleliu, Palau Islands, on the morning of 16 September 1944. When his company was temporarily pinned down by hostile artillery fire which forced the tanks to withdraw to a concealed position and caused numerous casualties, including the Company Commander, during an attack along the east side of the airstrip, Captain Doherty assumed command and, after skillfully reorganizing the company, boldly joined the foremost elements of the unit to direct the continuance of the attack. Courageously exposing himself to all types of enemy fire, e ably directed his men in pressing the assault to a successful conclusion and, throughout the remainder of the Campaign, led his company in an exemplary manner. By his able leadership, fortitude and aggressive spirit, Captain Doherty upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service,