The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Alvin I. Colbus (ASN: 0-1287144), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the 34th Infantry Division, in action on 5 June 1944, in the vicinity of Fonte, Italy. During this action Lieutenant Colbus was liaison officer and forward observer for the 1st Battalion. On several occasions he went forward with the Battalion Commander, under intense enemy heavy weapons and small arms fire, in order to locate and direct fire upon enemy targets. On 5 June 1944, as the enemy was retreating faster than the range of our artillery, Lieutenant Colbus, on his own initiative, left his post and led the infantry troops into an assault against the enemy, driving them from their positions and enabling oncoming friendly troops to advance without resistance. The courage and leadership displayed by Lieutenant Colbus was a direct aid in the success of the entire operation.