The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Alvin J. Kiellman (ASN: 0-1342386), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company D, 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. During the night of 24 – 25 April 1951, near Sochon-ni, Korea, Lieutenant Kiellman and the First Section of his Recoilless Rifle Platoon, attached to Company B and occupying defensive position on Hill 287, were attacked and cut off from the main body by an overwhelming hostile force. Lieutenant Kiellman, seeing that the positions were becoming insecure, assumed command of the remnants of two rifle squads which had been isolated with his group, deployed them and directed their fire. His dauntless leadership against a determined enemy resulted in the successful defense of the hill through the night. At dawn, after the order to abandon the hill was received, he organized the men and they withdrew under cover of smoke, carrying every piece of equipment with them. Lieutenant Kiellman’s gallant and skillful actions denied the enemy use of valuable supplies and equipment and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.