The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Thomas W. Alley (ASN: 0-365116), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 17th Airborne Division, in action against the enemy at Fluren, Germany, on 24 March 1945. Captain Alley assumed command of an infantry company after its commander had been hurt on a parachute landing. Despite an unfamiliar command, he brilliantly led an attack on heavily-fortified and well-concealed enemy positions. He was sounded in the attack, but in spite of this handicap, he repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire in the attempt to locate enemy emplacements and to direct fire against them. His gallant action was in keeping with the highest standards of military conduct.