The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Colonel Francis Marion McAlister (MCSN: 0-4264), United States Marine Corps, for meritorious service as Corps Engineer and Commanding Officer of the Engineer Group of the Third Amphibious Corps, Fleet Marine Force, during operations against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, from 1 April to 21 June 1945. During the planning phase of the operation, Colonel McAlister skillfully combined engineer units of the Army, Navy and Marine Corps into a successful hard-working engineer group. After the initial landing when a swiftly-moving front over difficult terrain and a primitive road net called for the maximum engineer effort, he directed his units in constructing bridges and roads despite adverse weather conditions that rendered the roads impassible. During numerous and arduous trips to the front lines, he observed at first hand the activities of combat engineers in removing mines and in constructing bridges and roads under fire. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
ColonelDivision:
1st Marine Division (Rein.)Action Date:
September 15 – November 2, 1950
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Colonel Francis Marion McAlister (MCSN: 0-4264), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Assistant Chief of Staff, G-4, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), while engaged in combat operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 15 September to 2 November 1950. Displaying sound judgment, meticulous attention to detail and a keen perception of operational requirements, Colonel McAlister personally organized and capably developed the G-4 section into a smoothly functioning and highly efficient organization. Constantly alert and aggressive, he provided the Commanding General with accurate information on the extent of logistical support that could be given to any proposed tactical course of action and made sound recommendations concerning necessary decisions regarding supply, thereby contributing essentially to the success achieved by his Division in operations against the enemy. His outstanding professional ability, foresight and inspiring devotion to duty throughout this period of intensive action reflect the highest credit upon Colonel McAlister and the United States Naval Service. (Colonel McAlister is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
ColonelAction Date:
August 7 – December 15, 1944
Heroes U.S. Marine Corps, 1861 – 1955: Jane Blakeney(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Francis Marion McAlister (MCSN: 0-4264), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the Pacific Theater of Operations during the period from 7 August to 15 December 1944.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
ColonelRegiment:
1st MarinesDivision:
1st Marine Division (Rein.)Action Date:
April 25, 1951
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel Francis Marion McAlister (MCSN: 0-4264), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea, on 25 April 1951. Assigned the mission of denying the enemy the mountainous terrain covering the approaches to a vital bridge, Colonel McAlister, despite multiple wounds sustained by hostile mortar fire, refused to be evacuated and continued to lead and direct his units until the numerically superior enemy forces were repulsed. By his inspiring and determined leadership, superb tactical ability and heroic devotion to duty in the face of tremendous odds, Colonel McAlister contributed materially to the success of his regiment’s mission and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
ColonelAction Date:
July 21 – August 10, 1944
Heroes U.S. Marine Corps, 1861 – 1955: Jane Blakeney(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Francis Marion McAlister (MCSN: 0-4264), United States Marine Corps, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the Pacific Theater of Operations during the period from 21 July through 10 August 1944.