Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    150th Engineer Combat Battalion

    Regiment:

    1135th Engineer Combat Group

    Division:

    XII Corps

    Action Date:

    September 8, 1944

    Headquarters, XII Corps, General Orders No. 35 (November 20, 1944)

    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 Raymond J. Gliha (ASN: 31`326730), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 150th Engineer Combat Battalion, 1135th Engineer Combat Group, XII Corps, in action against the enemy on 8 September 1944, in France. Private First Class Gilha was a member of a platoon evacuating wounded during an assault crossing of the ***** River. The entire operation was carried out under direct enemy observation and machine gun fire, with the result that all with the excerption of one boat was sunk or disabled. The remaining boat was floating near the far shore because the crew which had manned the boat were wounded and unable to return. Private First Class Gilha volunteered to swim to the enemy shore and retrieve the boat which was necessary for use in evacuating the wounded. Under sporadic enemy machine gun fire, Private First Class Gilha successfully returned with the boat, which proved invaluable to this operation. Private First Class Gilha’s sheer courage, devotion beyond the call of duty and the unselfish attitude which he displayed with disregard of personal safety were invaluable to the assault crossing and the successful evacuation of the wounded, and reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.