The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Pharmacist’s Mate First Class Alfred J. Todak, United States Navy, for gallantry in action on the night of 13 – 14 October 1942 while serving as a Corpsman attached to the FIRST Marine Division in the Solomon Islands. When a direct hit was made on a shelter during a night attack, Pharmacist’s Mate First Class Todak left his own shelter and attempted, under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions, to remove the seven occupants who had been trapped within it by sandbags and logs. Unable to effect the rescue alone, he called for assistance and finally succeeded in rescuing the only two victims remaining alive. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.