The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Alvin P. Gibbs (MCSN: 427490), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the First Engineering Battalion, FIRST Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Peleliu, Palau Islands, on 18 September 1944. Valiantly leading his demolition squad forward of our tanks, Private First Class Gibbs unhesitatingly faced intense, concentrated hostile fire to remove enemy mines impeding the advance of our forces proceeding toward the southwest tip of the island. Determined to complete his hazardous assignment, he continued to lead his men in clearing the way for our oncoming tanks, thereby enabling them to attain their objectives before he was mortally struck down by a ruthless enemy while carrying out his perilous mission. Private First Class Gibbs contributed materially to the success of our forces in capturing this strategic Japanese stronghold, and his unwavering devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.