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 Roscoe S. Putnam (ASN: 31375752), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 26 December 1944 in Belgium. During the bitter house to house fighting in Chaumont, Belgium on 26 December 1944, the rifle squad in which Private First Class Putnam served suddenly received heavy automatic weapons fire from a barn some one hundred and fifty yards away. Declining to take cover, Private First Class Putnam rushed forward twenty-five yards under the intense fire and fell to the ground as if wounded. The enemy, believing him dead, lifted their fire, whereupon Private First Class Putnam again hurried to a covered position twenty yards from the building from where he hurled two grenades into the barn. Following up the second grenade, he dashed into the building firing his rifle and succeeded in capturing six of the enemy. The bravery, aggressiveness, and loyal devotion to duty displayed by Private First Class Putnam were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.