The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant [then Private] Ralph W. Morford (ASN: 39927994), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 317th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division, in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 26 December 1944 in Luxembourg. Severe hostile machine gun fire from a well placed enemy gun temporarily delayed Technical Sergeant Morford’s company near Kehmen, Luxembourg. On his own initiative, and with disregard for personal safety, he crawled over fifty yards of exposed and hazardous terrain to destroy the emplacement with a hand grenade. The courage, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty displayed by Technical Sergeant Morford were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.