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 First Class Raymond M. Demara, United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company I, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, in action at the repeated risk of his life on 7 January 1952. Sergeant Demara was a member of a combat reconnaissance patrol operating in the vicinity of Hill 871 near Nae-dong, Korea. The patrol, caught in heavy small arms crossfire and under observed mortar fire, suffered heavy casualties and was ordered to withdraw. Sergeant Demara, oblivious to the danger to himself, refused to leave. He stayed with the seriously wounded men, doing what he could for them although constantly exposed to enemy fire. Despite being wounded, Sergeant Demara stayed with the wounded men until assistance arrived and the men could be evacuated. After the wounded men were evacuated, Sergeant Demara remained behind and attempted to destroy all abandoned equipment. Sergeant Demara’s conspicuous gallantry and devotion to his men reflect the utmost credit on himself and the military service.