The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant First Class [then Private First Class] Alvin J. Schwerdt (ASN: RA-19278295), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against the enemy on 11 February 1951, near Surim-ni, Korea. The unit was engaged in attacking firmly established enemy hill positions and had suffered heavy casualties. When the platoon was ordered to take a well-concealed machine gun that was harassing the assaulting troops, they moved forward under friendly covering fire, but when it ceased, the Chinese again opened fire and pinned them down. Private Schwerdt then voluntarily moved forward, despite the heavy volume of automatic weapons fire, and worked his way without cover to within grenade distance of the position. By throwing hand grenades and pinning the enemy down, Private Schwerdt enabled his squad to move forward and eliminate the emplacement. Private Schwerdt’s aggressiveness and heroism reflect great credit on himself and the military service.