The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Willis M. Alt, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Alt distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 5 April 1968, while serving as a rifleman with Company B, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, on a reconnaissance in force mission in Kien Hoa Province, Republic of Vietnam. As his platoon was moving forward to engage the enemy, it came under sudden intense hostile fire and became pinned down. Four men of the point element were taken under fire at point blank range and all were seriously wounded. Their squad leader advanced to their position in hopes of administering first aid, but also found himself pinned down by the intense automatic weapons fire. Completely disregarding his own safety, Private First Class Alt, provided an effective base of suppressive fire. The extremely accurate fire he provided made it possible for the wounded to receive first aid and later be evacuated. Private First Class Alt’s extraordinary heroism in close combat against the Viet Cong force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.