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 Alvin J. Richardson, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Italy, on 12 February 1944. At 6 a.m. the enemy attacked the defensive positions of an Infantry Battalion, the attack being preceded by an intense two-hour artillery barrage. In the face of this enemy onslaught the company on the left of Sergeant Richardson’s company was forced back, leaving his platoon, the flank platoon, partially surrounded. He held his platoon intact, and, disregarding the bitter fire, took up a position on the left flank of his platoon, and with rifle fire and hand grenades stemmed the enemy advance, assisting the company on the left to reestablish its lines and permitting the arrival of reinforcements to bolster the defense of his organization. He aided materially in effecting the repulsion of this determined enemy counterattack. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.