Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

USS LST-313, U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

October 20th, 1943

"For extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Officer in Charge of the U.S.S. LST THREE HUNDRED THIRTEEN (LST-313), during the amphibious assault on the Island of Sicily. On 10 July 1943, the U.S.S. LST 313 beached at the assigned point near Gela, Sicily, to disembark assault troops and vehicles. Shortly thereafter the ship received a direct hit during a particularly heavy enemy bombing attack. The resulting explosion set fire to the cargo ammunition, land mines and other inflammable material loaded in trucks. Lieutenant Alexander coolly and courageously took charge of fighting the fire, and directed the rescue and transfer to another ship of all survivors, many of whom had been severely burned and injured from the force of the initial explosion. His prompt and gallant action temporarily checked the spreading of the fire and saved the lives of many of the embarked personnel who would otherwise have lost their lives. The exceptional heroism, cool and courageous action and complete disregard for his own safety displayed by Lieutenant Alexander were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Commander Naval Forces North African Waters: Serial 2510