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) Alex J. Galla (ASN: 0-1310093), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 357th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division in action on 8 September 1944 in the vicinity of Avril, France. When an infantry motorized patrol was ambushed by a numerically superior enemy force, numerous casualties were sustained. First Lieutenant Galla, Platoon Leader, with the aid of companions, attempted to recover the vehicles. They drew enemy fire which endangered the lives of wounded men in the immediate area but he, voluntarily and at risk of his life, moved to a distant field in full view of the enemy, diverted their fire upon himself, which allowed the vehicles to be recovered by other members of the patrol. He then assisted a shell-shocked victim to the Aid Station and gave the Medical Officer the location of other wounded men. His gallantry was in accordance with high military tradition.