The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Alexander Washick (MCSN: 297593), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity during action against enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands on November 3, 1942. During an offensive action in the area of the Matanikay River, Corporal Washick capably performed his duties as squad leader of a 60-mm. squad of Company F, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division until the situation no longer warranted mortar fire. As the rifle men closed in with the enemy and suffered a number of casualties, he proceeded unhesitatingly and on his own initiative, to bring his wounded comrades off the firing line to a point where they might safely receive medical aid. His unselfish courage in braving heavy fire from hostile machine guns, rifles and hand grenades undoubtedly saved the lives of comrades who otherwise might have perished.