The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Raymond L. Nelson (ASN: 37171358), United States Army, for gallantry in action in northern France while serving with the 90th Infantry Division. On 7 July 1944 in the vicinity of ***, France, Sergeant Nelson was in command of a heavy machine gun squad when all the men were either killed or wounded by enemy mortar, artillery and small arms fire. Sergeant Nelson manned the machine gun alone although still under fire and gave effective support to the attacking forces. Not until he was ordered by his platoon commander, would he abandon his mission or move his location. His gallantry in action is a fine example of courage and devotion to duty and is in keeping with the highest military traditions.