The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant George Calderon Alvarez (ASN: US-56396711), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. On 12 August 1967, Sergeant Alvarez distinguished himself while serving as a Squad Leader in Company B, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, conducting a search and destroy mission along the Cambodian border. When the unit was taken under fire by a North Vietnamese Army force of undetermined size, Sergeant Alvarez skillfully deployed his men to counter the attack. Then, using the cover afforded by small trees and anthills, he moved forward alone to engage enemy snipers who had been placing accurate fire on the unit. Under intense fire from enemy occupying positions both on the ground and in the trees, Sergeant Alvarez maneuvered in close and eliminated three of the snipers. Then, though his actions had attracted the enemy’s attention, he made his way back to friendly lines and resumed fire. Large caliber artillery fire from nearby bases began pounding the enemy positions, but the determined foe refused to break contact. Sergeant Alvarez once again left the perimeter in an attempt to drive them off, but as he advanced on their positions he was struck and mortally wounded. Sergeant Alvarez’ gallantry, leadership and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.