The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Alphonse J. Zydowicz (ASN: 20501536), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 24 march 1944. At a critical moment following the death of his platoon leader, Technical Sergeant Zydowicz took over the defense of the command post where the enemy had infiltrated into our positions. With the platoon ambushed by a squad of well concealed riflemen and two machine gun nests, he exhibited brilliant and daring leadership in directing fire so skillfully that the enemy was annihilated. During the action, Technical Sergeant Zydowicz crawled fifteen yards in the open to demolish a hostile pillbox and exterminate four Japanese himself. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Technical Sergeant Zydowicz, 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 Army.