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 pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Platoon Sergeant Allen R. Allman, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 12 August 1969, while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Troop E, 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date Troop E was conducting a reconnaissance mission when it came under intense small arms, automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenade fire from an estimated North Vietnamese battalion. Sergeant Allman immediately began laying down suppressive fire with a machine gun when the back plate exploded off the weapon, injuring him. Exposing himself to the intense barrage of hostile fire, he used arm and hand signals to direct his men. Suddenly a rocket-propelled grenade hit his vehicle, wounding himself and his crew. Ignoring his wounds, he pulled his men to safety, insuring that they were evacuated, but refusing to be evacuated himself. He then climbed on the assault vehicle and continued to engage the enemy until another rocket grenade totally disabled the vehicle. Sergeant Allman then moved to the rear area, helping to load the seriously injured on board the MEDEVAC ships and establishing a defensive perimeter with the other men who were not seriously injured. Only after everyone else had been evacuated did he allow himself to be moved away. Platoon Sergeant Allman’s actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.