The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Allen E. Simmons, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations, on 9 December 1943. A mountain was occupied by Infantry elements during the night, and at daylight it was discovered that snipers and machine gunners were occupying a knoll 200 yards away. These opened fire, killing two officers and a number of the men. Lieutenant Simmons led the 16 men remaining in his platoon up the bare slope toward the enemy, all the while directing the fire of his men to keep the enemy off the crest. 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 and the United States Army.