The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Mark J. Alexander (ASN: 411615), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 5 October 1943, about one mile from *****, Italy. Lieutenant Colonel Alexander, Commanding the 2d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, led his forward companies against prepared German positions south of the ***** River. When the enemy attempted to cut off and destroy Company E in detail, he took personal command of the leading elements of Company E and vigorously attacked the enemy’s right flank, thus surprising and wiping out their entire force south of the ****. He personally captured two Germans armed with machine pistols. Lieutenant Colonel Alexander conducted these decisive operations under heavy enemy rifle, machine gun, mortar and artillery fire and by example inspired his men to drive the Germans across the river and clear the route north for the continued advance of the **** Army. 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.