The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal John B. Alt, United States Army, for gallantry in action as a squad leader of the 3d Platoon, Company B, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, on 14 July 1951. As his squad moved out into the attack they were hit by a tremendous artillery barrage. One of these rounds fell in the midst of his squad, killing two men and wounding several others. Despite a heavy machine gun cross-fire and a continuous artillery barrage, Corporal Alt, in the face of almost certain death, single-handedly pulled his men to a relative position of safety from which they could be evacuated. This deed was even more remarkable when one considers that Corporal Alt was wounded himself. After this was accomplished he proceeded with the remainder of his squad into the attack. When the initial objective was reached, Corporal Alt was ordered to the aid station. Despite his protests, he left the squad. The following day Corporal Alt voluntarily returned to his squad. In a renewed attack upon the enemy he raced forward completely exposed and tossed several grenades into the enemy bunkers, killing many of the enemy. He followed this up by advancing to the next bunker, wiping out many more enemy soldiers with M-1 rifle fire. Corporal Alt’s inspiring leadership and courage spurred the men to fight valiantly against a numerically superior enemy. 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.