Edward Gerald Allen

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Edward Gerald Allen (0-31878), Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer, 3d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 31 January 1951, near Nubongdong-ni, Korea, Colonel Allen’s battalion was withdrawing to more favorable terrain to establish a defensive perimeter for the night when it was attacked by a strong enemy force. This attack was executed by the enemy in such a manner that the supporting weapons of the battalion were in the open and exposed to enemy machine gun and small arms fire. Colonel Allen, realizing the gravity of the situation, personally supervised the organization of the supporting weapons to fight back the enemy attack. In doing this, he continually exposed himself to heavy fire. The coolness under fire, personal courage, and professional skill displayed by Colonel Allen were instrumental in defeating the enemy attack and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.