The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant John A. McAlister (MCSN: 0-6036), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to the Marine Detachment, First Defense Battalion, Fleet Marine Force, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Wilkes Island, Wake Island Group, 23 December 1941. After being cut off from the main body with about twenty-five men with whom he withstood repeated assaults throughout the night, Second Lieutenant McAlister organized and led a vigorous attack at daylight against a superior number of hostile troops and, despite heavy rifle, machine-gun and grenade fire, succeeded in turning the enemy’s flank and rejoining the main body. By his skillful leadership, courage under fire and determined devotion to duty, Second Lieutenant McAlister contributed materially to the complete annihilation of the hostile forces landing on the Island and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Silver Star
-
Legion of Merit
-
Prisoner of War Medal
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Second LieutenantBatallion:
1st Defense BattalionDivision:
Wake IslandAction Date:
December 11, 1941
Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 6049The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant John A. McAlister (MCSN: 0-6036), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Battery L, Marine Detachment, First Defense Battalion, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Wilkes Island Strongpoint, Wake Island, on 11 December 1941. With many of his guns inoperative and all battery protection destroyed as a result of the enemy’s terrific serial bombardment the preceding day, Second Lieutenant McAlister remained steadfast and courageous when a strong Japanese Naval force approached the island at dawn and launched a devastating attack. Assuming a position in a tower, completely exposed to the blistering shellfire laid down by the three cruisers, seven destroyers and three transports in the formation, he dauntlessly continued to spot the fire of his guns against the enemy, maintaining control and directing a brilliantly executed counterattack to sink one destroyer, inflict extensive damage on another which was later reported sunk, obtain hits on a cruiser and transport and force the remainder to withdraw. By his superb leadership, outstanding fortitude and undaunted valor maintained throughout the heroic defense of Wake, Second Lieutenant McAlister served as a constant inspiration to his intrepid officers and men, and his selfless conduct in the face of overwhelming odds reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
-
Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Lieutenant ColonelRegiment:
1st MarinesDivision:
1st Marine Division (Rein.)Action Date:
September 14, 1951 – January 8, 1952
Commanding General, 1st Marine Division: Serial 5659The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel John A. McAlister (MCSN: 0-6036), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Executive Officer of the First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 14 September 1951 to 8 January 1952. A capable and inspiring executive, Lieutenant Colonel McAlister was eminently successful in discharging his responsibilities throughout this period and effectively coordinated the various staff sections of the regiment into a highly efficient and smoothly functioning team. Exercising a comprehensive knowledge of military tactics, he rendered invaluable assistance to the regimental commander in the preparation of plans and in the establishment of positions. His outstanding professional ability, sound judgment and zealous devotion to duty were major factors in the success achieved by the regiment and reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Colonel McAlister and the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Colonel McAlister is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
-
Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Second LieutenantDivision:
Prisoner of War (China)Action Date:
December 23, 1941 – September 1945
NARA Database: Records of World War II Prisoners of War, created, 1942 – 1947Second Lieutenant John A. McAlister (MCSN: 0-6036), United States Marine Corps, was captured by the Japanese after the fall of Wake Island on 23 December 1941, and was held as a Prisoner of War until returned to U.S. Military control at the end of the war.