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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Ross James Alexander, III, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 128th Infantry Regiment, 32d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on the Villa Verde Trail, Philippine Islands, on 30 March 1945. First Lieutenant Alexander’s platoon was given the mission of capturing Hill 503 which was strongly defended by Japanese from a highly advantageous position. Having advanced, the platoon came under heavy rifle and machine gun fire. When his platoon suffered casualties, First Lieutenant Alexander went on ahead alone with only a carbine. He kept enough fire on the enemy to keep them occupied until his men withdrew. They then attacked on the Japanese flank and drove the enemy from the hill. First Lieutenant Alexander was within ten yards of the Japanese positions all during the attack. He weather rifle, machine gun, and grenades. At one time he was knocked unconscious for several minutes by the concussion of a grenade, but his platoon successfully took the hill. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Alexander, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.