The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Alexander B. McKinstry, Jr. (MCSN: 352292), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Squad Leader of a Machine Gun Platoon of Company K, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, 18 September 1944. Braving intense enemy machine-gun, mortar and rifle fire, Corporal McKinstry succeeded in leading his men to an advantageous position in our lines and, despite a severe wound, assumed a hazardous forward position to protect the men on his gun crew from hostile rifle and sniper fire, remaining in the fierce action until his gun was damaged and he was evacuated to the rear. By his courage, initiative and devotion to duty throughout, Corporal McKinstry upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.