The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Willis R. Allen (ASN: 34854536), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Company B, 143d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 21 November 1944, in France. Prior to an attack Private First Class Allen and two comrades were assigned the mission of reconnoitering a bridge across a river and a road junction beyond. As they approached the stream, the enemy opened fire on them with machine guns. Without hesitation Private First Class Allen, who was in the lead, returned the enemy fire and then, running toward the river’s edge as bullets struck within inches of him, plunged into the icy water. He waited until his comrades joined him on the other side and, while they laid down a base of fire, he advanced to the road junction and began searching the area for mines. As he worked, he was suddenly confronted by a six-man German patrol. He immediately opened fire, killing one German and wounding another. He then threw a hand grenade which wounded a third German and forced the patrol to withdraw. By his courage and determination, he obtained information which enabled his company to make a successful attack on the following day. 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, his unit, and the United States Army.