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 Raymond E. Platt (ASN: 35321764), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the Medical Detachment, *** Infantry Regiment, 88th Infantry Division. On 18 July 1944, Company I was the leading company of the Third Battalion which was advancing north from *****, Italy. Suddenly, and without warning, the entire company realized that it was deep in a mine field as many men began stepping on and exploding mines. Men in both the front and rear and throughout the column were seriously wounded and were unable to move. Fearing that their next step would result in the loss of a foot or leg, the men became almost panic-stricken. Cries for aid by the fallen men added to the state of nerves of the remainder of the column. As Aid Man to the company, Private First Class Platt moved into this field infested with the mines, thinking only of rendering desperately needed aid to the wounded. This act of heroism required a tremendous amount of courage as he moved from man to man, not knowing when he himself would become seriously injured. At this time, a litter squad moved up to evacuate the wounded but reached only the outskirts of the mine field when the leader of the squad stepped on a mine which blew off his foot. The remainder of the squad refused to move when Private First Class Platt unhesitatingly took the litter and with the aid of another man again moved through the mine field and evacuated every casualty to a place of safety. Immediately Private First Class Platt established an aid station in a nearby farm house and gave blood plasma to the severely wounded men. Private First Class Platt’s actions were definitely responsible for the saving of many of his comrades’ lives. This sterling example of outstanding gallantry with complete disregard for his own personal safety has made Private First Class Platt a shining example and an exceptional inspiration to both officers and men of the entire regiment and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.