The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Orville H. Gray (ASN: 19065829), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 133d Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, in action on 26 April 1945 in Italy. Private First Class Gray and two comrades were ordered to investigate a wooded sector about 150 yards to their left front. Although it was mid-afternoon and over comparatively open terrain, Private First Class Gray and his companions succeeded in approaching the area without being observed. Detecting enemy positions, Private First Class Gray moved up and opened fire with his Browning Automatic Rifle, wounding one and forcing twelve others to surrender. After checking for other enemy troops in the area, the three men returned with their prisoners. Shortly afterward, one squad was ordered to secure positions some distance to the front and Private First Class Gray was assigned to guard the right flank during the advance. Observed by the enemy, the squad was pinned down by enemy machine gun and self-propelled fire. Private First Class Gray located the position of the machine gun and destroyed the position by wounding the two gunners. The squad was then able to advance and destroy the self-propelled gun. Private First Class Gray’s courage and aggressive actions reflect highly upon himself and the Armed forces of the United States.