The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Alexander J. McGinnis (ASN: 31178118), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 314th Infantry Regiment, 79th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 8 July 1944 in France. When a strong contingent of the enemy became entrapped in some farm buildings Sergeant McGinnis voluntarily placed himself in an exposed position in order to cut off their only avenue of escape. His action resulted in the capture of numerous prisoners. When he learned that some French civilians had taken refuge in one of the buildings he volunteered to question them as to their welfare and as he crossed an open courtyard he was instantly killed by enemy mortar fire. For his willingness to expose himself to grave danger, and his spirit of self sacrifice in his devotion to duty, Sergeant McGinnis reflects highest credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.