The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) J. Alvin Newell (ASN: 0-400546), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, 36th Infantry Division [then 143d Infantry Regiment], in action from 8 to 18 December 1943 in Italy. Captain Newell, a battalion staff officer, accompanied the battalion commander to the unit’s advanced positions and established the forward command post there. When the battalion commander was severely wounded and evacuated during a furious enemy assault, Captain Newell unhesitatingly assumed command of the leading elements and distinguished himself by his superior leadership, retaining command until the executive officer arrived eight hours later. For ten days he moved about the steep, barren terrain, constantly threatened by artillery and mortar shelling, to inspect the troops’ positions and encouraged them by his own example of bravery and daring. Although he was feverish and suffered from a shell fragment wound, he refused to be evacuated and remained with his men, skillfully directing the repulse of counterattacks and working tirelessly to strengthen newly taken positions. 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.