The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Alfonso Lewis Romero, United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Hospital Corpsman, attached to a Mortar Platoon of a Marine Infantry Battalion in the FIRST Marine Division during operations against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa on 11 May 1945. When a mortar ammunition dump was hit by enemy artillery, exploding white phosphorus shells, Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Romero evacuated numerous casualties from the proximity of the bursting shells to a place of safety where he administered first aid. Receiving painful burns, he refused treatment until all the wounded members of the platoon had been given medical attention. His professional skill, courage and unselfish concern for the welfare of his comrades were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.