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 Staff Sergeant Raymond W. Grass (ASN: 11043217), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 350th Infantry Regiment, 88th Infantry Division. Staff Sergeant Grass exhibited conspicuous bravery and determination to carry out his orders on 12 May 1944, on Hill 316, in Italy. He was twice hit in the right arm by intense mortar fire which burst all around him and by sweeping machine gun fire of the enemy. Despite his wounds, which were bleeding profusely, he pressed on trying to contact his platoon. Unable to find it, he joined another platoon and led one of its squads in the attack with complete disregard for his life, taking them through the intense enemy mortar barrage, which shook the earth, and devastating small arms fire which cut the grass and trees all about him, killing an unknown number of enemy before he died from the wounds which he had received. His extremely high courage and self-sacrifice served to inspire the men and in sacrificing his own life he saved the lives of many of his comrades. Such heroic action truly exemplifies the glorious spirit of the United States Army.