The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Alexander R. Lesiak (MCSN: 833278), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company I, Third Battalion, Twenty-fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, on 1 July 1944. When heavy fire from a hostile machine gun located in a cave and protected by five riflemen hindered his platoon’s advance, Private First Class Lesiak voluntarily joined another Marine and, advancing across an open fire-swept area which was the only route of approach, made his way to the cave to silence the gun. Despite heavy enemy fire, he reached the emplacement and assisted in the annihilation of the gun crew and riflemen, thereby permitting his platoon to resume its advance. By his initiative and coolness under fire, he contributed materially to the success of his platoon. His courageous conduct reflects the highest credit on Private First Class Lesiak and the United States Naval Service.