The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Alvin K. Waggoner (ASN: 37151439), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 776th Tank Destroyer Battalion, 63d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 19 March 1945, at Ensheim, Germany. In the absence of his platoon leader, Sergeant Waggoner was directing the operations of the Second Platoon in their assault on the Siegfried Line. Upon reaching a position where the infantry he was supporting was held up by heavy enemy fire, Sergeant Waggoner, in order to secure information concerning where they desired the fire of his guns, left the comparative safety of the tank destroyer and proceeded through intense enemy fire to the position of the infantry. After being informed of the strongest points of enemy resistance, he returned to his tank destroyer. As he proceeded to direct the fire of his platoon, he was struck by enemy artillery fire and mortally wounded. His gallant sacrifice is an inspiration to the men he lead and his outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 63d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.