The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Alfred H. Gessner (MCSN: 474071), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Squad Leader with Company G, Second Battalion, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, on 22 and 23 November 1943. Fighting furiously during this period of bitter offensive action, Private First Class Gessner fearlessly led his squad forward despite the enemy’s fierce resistance and pressed home three successive determined attacks against heavily fortified pillboxes, contributing essentially to the silencing of hostile fire and to the sustained advance of our forces. Bravely facing terrific enemy fire during a later engagement, he unhesitatingly proceeded over difficult terrain to obtain vitally needed hand grenades for our troops. His daring initiative, dauntless perseverance and cool courage throughout were essential factors in the success of our operations against this vital hostile stronghold and reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Gessner and the United States Naval Service.