The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Alan C. Thomson (ASN: 39312795), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 9 July 1944, in France. During a fierce action with the enemy, Technical Sergeant Thomson was knocked down four times by mortar fire, suffered gunshot wounds in the left arm, shrapnel in the right, and both of his eardrums were punctured. The situation made a limited withdrawal necessary, but despite his wounded and dazed condition, Technical Sergeant Thomson voluntarily remained as part of a covering force to distract enemy fire while the rest of his platoon withdrew to safety. He carried one wounded man back to safety and returned to the fight. By attracting the enemy fire to himself, he enabled the remainder of his platoon to fall back to new positions without further casualties. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Technical Sergeant Thomson, 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.