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 First Class Oran Aldridge (ASN: 37186394), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 81st Infantry Division on Angaur Island, Palau Group, on 23 September 1944. Private Aldridge, an Automatic Rifleman, was participating with his company in an attack against an enemy position. Heavy machine gun fire enveloped the company and checked its advance. Private Aldridge advanced under heavy enemy fire to a position from which he could bring fire to bear on the enemy. He was seriously wounded in his attempt to relieve the pressure on his company. This display of courage and aggressiveness was an added incentive to his company in the successful completion of its mission.