The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Platoon Sergeant Adolph A. Alla (MCSN: 303066), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Demolition Rocket Expert of Headquarters Company, Headquarters and Service Battalion, FIFTH Amphibious Corps, Fleet Marine Force, during operations against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 8 March 1945. When the short range of the rocket launcher necessitated dragging it one hundred and fifty yards in advance of the front lines, Platoon Sergeant Alla volunteered to accompany the weapon in order to control and adjust the firing of the rockets on assigned fortified enemy positions. Despite the heavy hostile mortar and small arms barrage which endangered him in this unprotected position, he coolly completed his mission kneeling at the side of the launcher to fire, readjust and discharge all misfires. By his bold initiative and technical skill, he contributed materially to the success of his unit and his courageous devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.