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 Riley C. Couch (ASN: 34820463), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 319th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division, in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 22 August 1945 in Luxembourg. While advancing with a weapons platoon near Nocher, Luxembourg, Private First Class Couch, a runner, was surprised by a pocket of enemy. With disregard for personal safety, he exposed himself to deliver a heavy volume of automatic fire on the enemy’s ranks and persisted until seriously wounded. His courage and aggressiveness allowed his comrades to take positions and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.