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), [then Second Lieutenant] Alfred B. Coppers (ASN: 0-554340), 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 8 February 1945 in Germany. On that date, while crossing the Our River into the Siegfried Line near Wallendorf, Germany, an infantry company commander was injured by the intense enemy artillery falling in the area. Lieutenant Coppers immediately assumed command and courageously led the company in the assault on the heavily defended fortifications. By standing erect during an artillery barrage that had temporarily delayed his company, Lieutenant Coppers displayed such courage that his men were inspired to move forward out of the impact area, successfully capturing nineteen pillboxes, and quickly gained the battalion objective. Lieutenant Coppers’ courage, aggressiveness, and superior leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.