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) Alson E. Lancaster (ASN: 0-1304916), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 83d Infantry Division, in action on 8 July 1944, near ****, France. When his company was being subjected to heavy machine gun and artillery fire from an enemy tank firing directly from the center of their front, Second Lieutenant Lancaster immediately realizing the need for vigorous counter measures, personally led a squad into firing position despite being exposed to direct artillery and machine gun fire from the tank. Unmindful of his personal safety he remained with the gun crew supervising and directing the fire and reassuring and bolstering the courage of the men in the face of severe casualties. During the operation Second Lieutenant Lancaster was severely wounded in the right leg by machine gun fire but he refused to be evacuated until the threat from the enemy tank had been destroyed. His coolness under fire, initiative, determination and gallant conduct reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.