The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Alvin H. Groth (ASN: 36843043), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Assistant Squad Leader in Company B, 20th Armored Infantry Battalion, 10th Armored Division, at Ehrang, Germany, on 5 March 1945. When four assault boats were sunk by enemy mortar fire, Sergeant Groth, braving intense hostile fire, waded into the river to rescue two wounded soldiers from drowning, and then carried the wounded men over 500 yards of exposed terrain to safety. His gallant achievement reflects great credit upon himself and the military forces of the United States.