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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 Howard Gordon (ASN: 0-1303712), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in France, on 31 July 1944. First Lieutenant Gordon distinguished himself while serving as a mortar observer directing fire in support of the attack of an infantry company. When the attacking troops became pinned down under heavy enemy fire, Frist Lieutenant Gordon risked his life to move to an exposed position a distance of one hundred yards in advance of the most forward elements, from which he direct mortar fire that neutralized the opposition to such an extent that the attack could be continued with a minimum of delay and with relatively few casualties. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Gordon, 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.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    120th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    30th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    April 11, 1945
    Headquarters, 30th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 166 (June 24, 1945)

    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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Alvin Howard Gordon (ASN: 0-1303712), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 11 April 1945, in Germany. First Lieutenant Gordon was assigned the mission of establishing a roadblock near the town of Braunschweig. Finding that the enemy was defending the sector, First Lieutenant Gordon unhesitatingly led his men forward in the face of heavy small arms fire and killed an enemy soldier who stepped into his path with a rocket launcher. Then, observing the enemy entering a house near the road, First Lieutenant Gordon led a squad in an attack against the position and took seven prisoners. He then directed the erection of a roadblock, completing the task in time to halt the enemy fleeing the town and take thirty prisoners. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Gordon, 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.