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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Alvin Planas (ASN: 0-2039546/30105762), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company A, 100th Infantry Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, attached to the 36th Infantry Division, near Biffontaine, France, on 29 October 1944. In an attempt to establish contact with an entrapped battalion of the 141st Infantry Regiment, Company A was suddenly pinned down by direct fire from an enemy tank and several of the men seriously wounded. Private Planas, noticing the helpless condition of his wounded comrades, fearlessly left his covered position and rushed to their aid. Though the enemy continued with his deadly tank fire, Private Planas courageously administered first aid to the wounded and, with the help of a fellow soldier carried them to a place of comparative safety. By his courageous action Private Planas was an inspiration to every member of his unit and reflects credit upon himself and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    38th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    May 18, 1951
    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 379 (July 31, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Alvin Planas (ASN: 0-2039546/30105762), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company I, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 18 May 1951 in the vicinity of Pungchon-ni, Korea. When his company command post was threatened by an enemy penetration of its defensive positions on that date, Lieutenant Planas, with complete disregard for his own safety, led his weapons platoon in a furious assault on the enemy. With fixed bayonet and grenades he charged the enemy pillboxes, quickly overrunning the enemy and restoring the defensive lines. The gallantry in action and inspiring leadership demonstrated by Lieutenant Planas on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    38th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 29, 1951
    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 567 (1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Alvin Planas (ASN: 0-2039546/30105762), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company I, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 29 July 1951 in the vicinity of Taeusan, Korea. On this date Lieutenant Planas led his platoon in an attack against well-entrenched enemy positions. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Lieutenant Planas placed his men in the most effective positions and directed their fire. When the company commander was fatally wounded, he took over the command of the company and continued to lead the attack until he was wounded by an enemy sniper. Ignoring the painful wound, Lieutenant Planas refused to be evacuated until the company had taken its objective. His actions enabled the unit to complete its mission with a minimum of casualties and at the same time inflicting numerous casualties upon the enemy. The gallantry in action displayed by Lieutenant Planas reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.