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 Alfred J. Kearns (ASN: RA-12317903), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Battery A, 10th Field Artillery Battalion, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 28 – 29 November 1950, near Sachang-ni, Korea, Sergeant Kearns was Chief of 5th Howitzer Section of his unit which was furnishing artillery support to 1st Battalion Combat Team, 7th Infantry Regiment. On 28 November 1950, the enemy artillery and mortar shells knocked out the Battery Fire Direction Center and all communications. With utter disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant Kearns exposed himself to enemy mortar, machine gun, and small arms fire for a period of five hours effectively directing fire at point blank range on the enemy. The initiative and resourcefulness and heroism of Sergeant Kearns in the absence of control resulted in the continued deliverance of extremely effective artillery fire credited by the Infantry Battalion Commander as a major factor in repelling the enemy. The outstanding valor displayed by Sergeant Kearns reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.