The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade Franzel E. Alexander (ASN: 34210822), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 7 August 1944, in France. Technician Fifth Grade Alexander heroically advanced to within fifty yards of an enemy tank in the face of heavy fire from its machine gun in addition to rocket fire from a strafing airplane and provided covering fire for a comrade who knocked out the tank with a bazooka. Technician Fifth Grade Alexander’s gallant actions were instrumental in the destruction of an enemy tank and reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.