The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Alvin King (ASN: 34833715), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 22 January 1945, in Germany. Knowing that he would certainly draw enemy fire from a group of enemy drawing near his position, Private First Class King directed deadly burst of machine gun fire at the enemy, wounding several and forcing the rest to flee. He gallantly refused to yield under murderous small arms, machine gun, and tank fire centered on his position until he was seriously wounded by a tank round which burst directly behind him. Private King’s heroic actions succeeded in forcing the enemy to withdraw after having suffered severe casualties. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class King, 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.