The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Ray Ester Dickson (ASN: 0-1178762), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 314th Field Artillery Battalion, 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 8 November 1944 in France. While serving as an artillery observer to an infantry battalion during an attack on 8 November 1944, Second Lieutenant Dickson advanced into the areas heavily infested with enemy sniper fire in order to obtain better observation. Despite constant enemy observation he courageously and steadfastly continued to direct artillery with marked success until he was killed by an enemy sniper. The personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Second Lieutenant Dickson were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.