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) Redfield B. Hawkins, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 85th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Italy on 21 May 1944. When intense sniper and automatic weapons fire pinned down his platoon and inflicted severe casualties, Lieutenant Hawkins reorganized his troops and led them in an attack upon the enemy. Although the hostile forces were well emplaced in prepared defensive positions upon the side of a mountain, he led the platoon in a successful assault, inflicting heavy casualties, destroying a number of their positions and forcing them to withdraw. His aggressive leadership inspired his men to close with the enemy and clear the route of the advance and reflects the greatest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.