The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain Leonard W. Alford (MCSN: 0-12889), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company E, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa Shima, Ryukyu Islands, from 8 to 11 June 1945. Courageously and skillfully directing his company in a series of fiercely opposed attacks against four heavily-fortified enemy strongholds, Captain Alford dauntlessly led his men across fire-swept terrain and, exposing himself repeatedly as he moved among his men exhorting them to greater efforts and steadying them by his personal example, drove relentlessly forward and succeeded in shattering the fanatic resistance of the Japanese, thereby insuring the advance of the entire battalion. Mortally wounded during the closing phases of the bitter fighting, he steadfastly refused to relinquish command and halt the impetus of the assault until the final objective had been seized. His inspiring leadership, skilled tactics and unwavering devotion to duty were dominant factors in the successful completion of the hazardous mission and his valiant conduct throughout reflects great credit upon Captain Alford and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.