The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Alfred S. Van Hoose, Jr. (ASN: 0-1321969), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 23 November 1944 in France. After successfully repulsing an enemy counterattack, Lieutenant Van Hoose was ordered to reorganize his weapons platoon into a combat patrol to contact scattered remnants of a battalion isolated behind enemy lines. With utter disregard of his personal safety, he led his men, armed with pistols and carbines, into hostile territory, and by intelligently planning an enemy ambush, twenty-eight American soldiers were released from their captors and other scattered remnants of the battalion were successfully guided back to friendly lines. The exceptional leadership, initiative, and sincere devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Van Hoose were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.