The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Corps of Engineers) Allen W. Sanders, Jr. (ASN: 0-25305), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, 263d Engineer Combat Battalion, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 20 March 1945, in the vicinity of Ober Wurzbach, Germany. Through unexplored terrain defended by the retreating enemy, Major Sanders volunteered to lead the 6th Armored Division towards their objective. In the wake of the enemy’s exploding demolition charges the advance party surprised three German soldiers preparing to blow up a large railroad overpass bridge which would have delayed the advance indefinitely. Major Sanders, with utter disregard for personal safety, without full knowledge of the explosive’s characteristics, and in full view of the enemy, went forward and cut the fuse. Major Sanders also supervised the crossing of one anti-tank ditch and its filling and the bypassing with treadway bridges of four road blocks. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.