The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Aloysius Vincent Witschen, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company M, 3rd Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Chup’a-ri, Korea. On 3 September 1951, the numerically superior enemy force attacked the 75 recoilless rifle positions on a recently captured hill. Private Witschen, the point security guard, was seriously wounded by grenade fire during the initial moments of the attack. Although weakened by his wound, he refused medical evacuation and remained at his post and fired his weapon rapidly. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he continually exposed himself and delivered effective covering fire for the withdrawal of the recoilless rifles. Private Witschen’s courageous actions momentarily halted the advancing enemy and enabled the elements of his company to safely withdraw to previously prepared positions with negligible casualties. However, before he was able to withdraw, he was mortally wounded. The gallantry displayed by Private Witschen reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.