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 (Field Artillery) Alfred Ely, Jr. (ASN: 0-413070), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa and Sicily, during the period from March to August 1943. When his unit encountered serious opposition from well-concealed enemy positions, Lieutenant Ely, as air observer, accompanied another officer on a reconnaissance mission over enemy-occupied territory in a low-powered airplane. Although subjected to intense ground fire and endangered by treacherous air currents, Lieutenant Ely returned with accurate information which enabled the defeat of the enemy, 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.