The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Albert C. Allen, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of a Fleet Tanker operating in support of forces engaged in the capture of the Mariana Islands. Late in the afternoon of 18 June 1944, he fought his ship gallantly and bravely against attacking enemy aircraft destroying one and assisting in the destruction of another. Notwithstanding injuries to personnel and material damage inflicted on his own vessel by enemy bombing, he bravely rendered assistance to another fleet oiler then stopped in enemy submarine waters. At considerable risk to his own vessel, he went alongside helping to repair material damage, rendering aid to her personnel and taking off her badly wounded. His gallantry under attack by enemy aircraft and his professional skill and leadership while operating in enemy submarine waters assisted in maintaining a vital service to the Fleet. His courage and disregard for his own safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.