The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Alphonse F. Jankunas (ASN: 6901680), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 319th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 16 November 1944 in France. On that date, the infantry platoon of which Private First Class Jankunas was an acting squad leader had the mission of attacking and clearing a town. As the squad that Private First Class Jankunas was leading approached its objective, enemy machine gun fire came from two positions and seriously hampered the advance. With a display of cool courage and with total disregard for his own safety he led the advance and personally destroyed a machine gun and crew. His courageous action so inspired his comrades that they continued the assault and successfully accomplished the mission despite fanatic enemy resistance. During the action he captured two enemy officers and thirty other prisoners. His leadership, courage, and unhesitating devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.