The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) Richard Gray McKee (ASN: 0-11217), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Germany, on 17 November 1944. The 2d Battalion of Colonel McKee’s regiment was ordered to continue an attack through the Hurtgen Forest against strong, well defended enemy positions near Schevenhutee and encountered heavy artillery and mortar fire, which halted forward progress. Colonel McKee then ordered the 1st Battalion to move around the right flank of the 2d Battalion and continue the attack. When this thrust met heavy opposition he went forward through thickly-mined areas under heavy mortar and artillery fire and across several hundred yards of terrain swept by small arms and automatic weapons fire to take personal command of the operation. He directed the forward movement of Company A, the leading assault unit, and achieved penetration of the German lines at a very critical period. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel McKee, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.