The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Sergeant] Richard E. Rutledge (ASN: 0-2017283), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of Harlange, Belgium, on 3 January 1945. Lieutenant Rutledge was in charge of a three-man outpost near Harlange, Belgium. In the course of the evening this outpost received a counterattack by a combat patrol intent on wiping out this outpost. The enemy combat patrol was armed with machine pistols and rapid firing hand machine guns. Setting up fire, the outpost was able to hold its own until the ammunition ran low. Lieutenant Rutledge, sensing the final outcome in remaining ordered a bayonet charge on the entrenched enemy. Forgetful of the odds and personal safety and in the face of withering cross-fire, Lieutenant Rutledge led the attack which resulted in the killing of four of the enemy patrol and in the capture of the remaining fourteen. His initiative and bravery in leading this attack proved an inspiration to his men and is in accord with the military traditions of the United States.