The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Alton P. Wilkinson (ASN: 0-266599), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the *** Infantry Regiment, 83d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 26 July 1944, near *****, France. Lieutenant Colonel Wilkinson was the commanding officer of a battalion of infantry. When the enemy resistance became unusually severe and intense as the battalion was approaching its objective, Lieutenant Colonel Wilkinson went forward to assist the front line companies. Under direct fire and in view of the enemy then making full use of snipers, Lieutenant Colonel Wilkinson, wholly unmindful of his own safety, remained at the front line to coordinate the attack. This action was taken despite the fact that he had not fully recovered from a previous wound, and in the course thereof he was wounded twice again by small arms fire. With grim and heroic courage he refused to be evacuated until the situation was again well in hand. Lieutenant Colonel Wilkinson’s resolute and brilliant leadership and conspicuous courage reflect great credit upon himself and the finest traditions of the military service.