The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Alvin R. Tisland (ASN: 37272097), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 743d Tank Battalion (Separate), attached to the 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 9 October 1944, in Germany. Staff Sergeant Tisland displayed outstanding courage by remaining under enemy fire to knock out two enemy guns. Although his tank was crippled and received two direct hits, he remained in it to knock out two enemy tanks before he backed it to safety and abandoned it. By his gallant action, Staff Sergeant Tisland diminished the weight of enemy armor being pressed against the infantry. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Tisland, 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.