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 Private First Class Richard H. Huffman, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company I, 71st Infantry Regiment, 44th Infantry Division, in action at the Fern Pass in Austrian Tyrol. After a stubborn withdrawal over the rugged terrain, some of the enemy were surrendering to the lead platoon. Suddenly other Germans opened fire from a concealed position and those in the act of surrendering picked up their weapons and again leaped into action. As the firefight increased, Private Huffman, jumping into a pit, began firing on the enemy and, deliberately drawing the heavy enemy fire upon himself, covered the withdrawal of his comrades from the overwhelming hostile force. By his courageous action, in which he made the supreme sacrifice, Private Huffman enabled the men of his platoon to withdraw and reorganize.