The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Alan D. McGraw (ASN: 36695633), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 17 November 1944, in Germany. Staff Sergeant McGraw distinguished himself when his company was pinned down by fierce enemy artillery, mortar, and small arms fire while advancing across an open field. Seeing one of his men hit before he could gain the protection of a hole, Staff Sergeant McGraw deliberately endangered himself by crawling through the enemy fire to the wounded man. He dragged the man fifty yards to a shell hole and gave him medical aid. Had it not been for Staff Sergeant McGraw’s quick thinking and daring action, the wounded man’s life would probably have been lost. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant McGraw, 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.