The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Allen R. Messner (ASN: 36013283), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 29 January 1945. In an attack on an enemy-held hill near Fort Stotsenberg, our troops advanced across level terrain covered by rifle, machine gun, and 20-mm. fire. Sergeant Messner led his squad over this area, time and again exposing himself to the Japanese in order to direct the fire of his men. When the enemy troops withdrew to cover, he continued relentless pursuit annihilating them wherever they sought refuge. While deploying his men after capture of the objective, Sergeant Messner was hit by shell fragments and mortally wounded. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Sergeant Messner, 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.