The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Alvin N. Deck (ASN: 0-1915079), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On the night of 19 November 1952, a reconnaissance patrol of six men led by Lieutenant Deck departed from the friendly main line of resistance and proceeded toward “Hill 109”, in the vicinity of Changsong-dong, Korea. After passing their first check point the patrol lost contact with the Company Commander, but continued on its mission. The patrol arrived at “Hill 109” and successfully completed the reconnaissance without enemy detection. Moving along the base of “Hill 112” the men ran into an ambush by hostile soldiers. Lieutenant Deck directed fire on the enemy, seriously or mortally wounding several of them. During this action, Lieutenant Deck and another member of the patrol were wounded. After the disengagement, Lieutenant Deck stopped several times to account for all the men. When he discovered that one of his men was wounded in the right eye, he administered first aid to him. Although Lieutenant Deck was also wounded, he refused first aid and insisted that the patrol keep moving. Upon nearing the listening post, a member of the patrol stepped on a mine and was seriously wounded. Lieutenant Deck, disregarding his personal safety, dashed across the mined area to aid the man. He placed him on his back and carried him to the listening post where they were met by a litter team and were then helped to the main line of resistance. Lieutenant Deck’s outstanding gallantry, initiative and devotion to duty reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.