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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class Alfred Hightower, Jr. (ASN: US-53528206), United States Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class Hightower distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 24 November 1968 while serving as a Machine gunner with Company A, 2d Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, on a reconnaissance in force mission near Tan Tru. After his platoon came under intense hostile fire, immediately sustaining two casualties in the point element. Specialist Hightower courageously ran across an open rice paddy and located his machine gun in a position from which he placed effective fire against the enemy emplacements. While he was engaging one of the bunkers, enabling his wounded comrades to receive aid, Specialist Hightower was mortally wounded by fire from a well-concealed emplacement on his right flank. Specialist Fourth Class Hightower’s extraordinary heroism in close combat against an armed hostile force was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.