The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Roy B. Allred, United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 45th Infantry Division during World War II. Lieutenant Allred, acting as Forward Observer with an Infantry Battalion, proceeded while under constant enemy artillery and mortar fire, to a point 300 yards in advance of the infantry front lines. While at this observation post, the enemy launched a counterattack led by six tanks, and when his position was discovered, Lieutenant Allred was subjected to machine gun, artillery, and direct tank fire from the enemy. Despite the exposed position, Lieutenant Allred remained at his post and directed such effective artillery fire on the enemy that the counterattack was successfully repulsed, enabling the infantry battalion to continue its advance. Lieutenant Allred’s initiative and fearlessness are exemplary of the finest traditions of the military service.