The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Alan G. Anderson (ASN: 0-5318304), United States Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Anderson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 6 December 1968 while serving as Commanding Officer, Company A, 5th Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, on a night ambush patrol in Long An Province. After his unit’s night location came under attack from a large enemy element, Captain Anderson courageously exposed himself to the hostile fire to direct the deployment of his men. Sighting a group of enemy soldiers trying to flank his company’s position, he moved to the point of heaviest contact and personally ended the threat by throwing hand grenades into the midst of the hostile forces. He then remained in his dangerous forward position and laid down a heavy base of fire until the enemy was forced to retreat. Captain Anderson’s extraordinary heroism in close combat with an armed hostile force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the 9th Infantry Division and the United States Army.



