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) Alfred Arthur Pursall (ASN: 0-282856), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Commanding Officer of the 3d Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, 92d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 5 and 6 April 1945, in Italy. As battalion commander of the 3d Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Pursall led his men in the capture of two strategic hills with excellent judgement and perfect control of the companies of his battalion, breaking a six-month-old stalemate in this sector. By his courage and aggressiveness, Lieutenant Colonel Pursall contributed immeasurably toward the regiment’s success in advancing the divisional frontlines by five kilometers over some of the most difficult terrain encountered by the Allied troops in Italy thus driving a wedge deep into the Gothic Line. Lieutenant Colonel Pursall’s outstanding leadership, aggressiveness, and undaunted bravery, which have been a constant source of inspiration to the officers and men of his battalion, reflect the finest traditions of the United States Army.