The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Alton P. Hill, Jr. (MCSN: 835863), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company A, First Battalion, second Marines, SECOND Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Tinian, Mariana Islands on 29 July 1944. When the advance of his patrol was held up by two hostile machine guns and eight enemy riflemen, Private First Class Hill voluntarily assumed a strategic position to return the fire with his automatic rifle and, although seriously wounded in this encounter, courageously continued his barrage, thereby giving his patrol time to withdraw to a more advantageous position and contributing materially to the destruction of the enemy’s strong point. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.