The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Field Artillery) Albert Daykin (ASN: 0-1176930), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 197th Field Artillery Battalion, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Belgium on 20 and 21 December 1944. Captain Daykin voluntarily left friendly lines and crossed through an unmarked mine field to an exposed position in order to register the fire of his battalion. A few hours later, when the enemy launched a series of vigorous counterattacks, Captain Daykin delivered such effective fire on enemy assembly points and other hostile targets that the enemy efforts were thwarted. The courage and devotion to duty manifested by Captain Daykin reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.