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 (Air Corps) Alex Dier (ASN: 0-694348), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Navigator of a B-24 Liberator Bomber of the 723d Bombardment Squadron, 450th Bombardment Group (H), 15th Air Force, in aerial operations in the in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations, on 25 April 1944. First Lieutenant Dier was flying on a routine bombardment mission against Vorosi, Italy, when his plane was attacked by two German fighter airplanes. The machine gun and cannon fire from the attacking enemy aircraft riddled the airplane and wounded several crew members including First Lieutenant Dier. The co-pilot’s leg was shot off and it was impossible for him to walk through the plane to the bomb bay to bail out, and as a result endeavored to leave the plane through the top hatch and became stuck. First Lieutenant Dier, with utter disregard for his own safety, did not attempt to leave the plane himself or try to put on his parachute, but pushed the co-pilot out of the plane. As soon as he was free, First Lieutenant Dier buckled on his own parachute and because of his weakened condition and useless right are was able to fasten only one side of it. He then jumped and upon landing was taken prisoners. His selfless devotion to duty and outstanding proficiency in combat reflects great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.