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 Staff Sergeant] Richard E. Weber, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company A, 1st Battalion, 317th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division, in action in Germany on 26 February 1945. During an attack near Biersdorf, Germany, Technical Sergeant Weber, despite two wounds, assumed command of a platoon after his superior officer was killed and successfully carried out the attack to take the objective under severe hostile fire. Not until his platoon was reorganized and supplied did he submit to medical aid. Technical Sergeant Weber’s courage, leadership, and devotion to duty are commensurate with the highest traditions of the armed forces of the United States.