Sergeant Albert J. Shaheen, United States Marine Corps Reserve. For extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy while serving as squad leader in a rifle company on Guam, Marianas Islands, 21 July to 26 July, 1944. Sergeant Shaheen was leading the point of his platoon along the beach when they came under heavy mortar and rifle fire, he crawled within hand grenade range, then rushed the enemy, firing his automatic rifle and silenced the position, thereby enabling his platoon to continue the advance. Later, on Crote Peninsula, he again displayed his fighting spirit and intrepidity in action against the enemy during an attack. A Japanese officer rushed him from behind with a sword, inflicting two severe wounds to his shoulder before Sergeant Shaheen shot the officer with his rifle. Despite his painful wounds he continued to lead his squad in the attack, personally killing seven Japanese. He refused to be evacuated until the situation was under control. His bravery and conduct were a constant source of inspiration to his men and his heroic leadership was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.