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 Raymond L. Laird (ASN: 37628576), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 1st Armored Division, on 30 October 1944, on Hill 721, Torre de Nerone, Italy. Company B of an armored infantry battalion, while in position on Hill 721, was attacked by a large enemy force and its positions partially overrun. Private Laird, with another man of that machine gun crew, remained with the gun, delivering a withering crossfire that inflicted many losses upon the enemy and stopped the attack on that position. During another attack, which was accompanied by a heavy concentrated artillery and mortar barrage, Private Laird again remained with the gun, continually changing positions to enable him to engage the enemy better. Private Laird continued the fight until severely wounded by an enemy shell. The courage, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty displayed by Private Laird reflects the finest traditions of the armed forces and is worthy of the highest praise.