The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Alan G. Leslie, Jr. (MCSN: 0-17528), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to Company C, First Battalion, Eighteenth Marines, (Engineer), SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, on 20 November 1943. Undaunted by the enemy’s shattering machine-gun and rifle fire, First Lieutenant Leslie boldly proceeded to the beach with his group of scout snipers in advance of the initial assault wave on D-Day and landed on the edge of the large pier at Betio Island. Fearlessly advancing down the top of the pier, he charged the emplacements with his flame thrower and succeeded in neutralizing several of the enemy who were firing relentlessly on our troops as they advanced through the water to the beech. By his daring initiative, valiant fighting spirit and cool and courageous action in the face of tremendous odds, First Lieutenant Leslie served as an inspiration to his men and contributed essentially to the success of our forces in capturing this vital hostile stronghold. His zealous devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.