The 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.

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.