The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Alton B. Hollis (MCSN: 0-44430), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Twentieth Marines (Engineer), FOURTH Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands on 7 July 1944. Courageous and determined in the performance of duty, Sergeant Hollis immediately assumed command when the enemy pinned down his platoon during a sustained attack against a series of heavily fortified hostile caves, wounded the leader and inflicted many more casualties. Realizing that further delay would result in continued loss of life, he skillfully and expeditiously directed his withdrawal to his wounded leader and other members of the platoon to a safe area. By his daring initiative, forceful leadership and outstanding fortitude in the face of grave peril, Sergeant Hollis contributed to the saving of many lives and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.