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 First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Ernest B. Allen, Jr. (ASN: 0-1177264), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action near ****, Belgium, on 13 January 1945. When his battery was subjected to an intense enemy artillery barrage while on a convoy move, Lieutenant Allen, with utter disregard for his own safety, made his way toward several wounded men lying in exposed positions while shells were falling all about him, but was killed before he could administer aid to the wounded soldiers. His inspiring display of intrepidity and unselfishness on this occasion characterized the high type of leadership for which Lieutenant Allen had been known throughout his service in combat, and reflects high credit upon the military service.