The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant First Class Alfred H. Combs, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations in Vietnam, on 21 June 1964. Sergeant Combs was serving as an Advisor to a Company of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam, when the friendly units came under extremely heavy automatic weapons and rifle fire from a large hostile force, well-entrenched in defensive positions along a canal intersecting the Company’s direction of advance. As the Vietnamese machine gun crew prepared to retaliate, Sergeant Combs quickly joined them and, despite the intensity of the gun fire concentrated on t his position, he assisted the men by pointing out enemy targets. During the ensuing engagement, he assisted two wounded gunners and bravely remained with the crew until the ammunition was expended. Exposing himself to the enemy gun fire, he then joined a 57-mm. recoilless rifle unit approximately 25 meters to his right. Detecting the position of a strong enemy rifle element, which was delivering accurate fire on the Company, he promptly informed a gunner who succeeded in destroying this enemy stand by a direct hit. With fortitude and perseverance, Sergeant Combs then moved along the Company line and reached the 3d Platoon which was preparing to make a frontal assault against the main defensive line of the enemy. As the Platoon Leader attempted to lead his unit in the assault, he was felled by the gun fire. Sergeant Combs rushed to his side to render first aid, and, upon discovering that the Platoon Leader was dead, assumed the leadership. Then, when he began to cross the open field toward the enemy, the hesitant troops were inspired, moved from their covered positions in the canal bank, and charged the enemy line. Through his decisive leadership, determination, and valiant efforts, the friendly forces succeeded in annihilating a great number of enemy troops and accomplished a difficult mission with effectiveness. Sergeant Combs’ conspicuous gallantry is in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military services.