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] Allan H. Whaling (ASN: 0-554657), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 254th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 1 February 1945, in the vicinity of Colmar, France. Lieutenant Whaling, platoon leader, was leading his platoon when they were subjected to intense machine gun and bazooka fire. Ordering his platoon to withdraw, he moved to an advantageous position under the increasing fire and succeeded in killing or wounding the enemy bazooka team. Not until all of his men had withdrawn safely and continued the fire fight did he leave his position to join the platoon. Later, he directed accurate mortar fire on the enemy machine gun position, successfully eliminating that threat. The magnificent courage and outstanding devotion to duty of Lieutenant Whaling reflect the highest credit upon himself and upon the Armed Forces of the United States.