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 Rhey C. Palmer, Jr. (ASN: 34810274), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 232d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 16 March 1945 near Reipertsweiler, France. As machine gun squad leader, Sergeant Palmer distinguished himself by his outstanding courage when the platoon to which he was attached was held up by enemy mortar, machine gun, and small arms fire. Realizing that poor visibility and intense enemy fire made organized squad action impossible, Sergeant Palmer advanced alone with his machine gun and quickly put it into action. His maneuver was so effective that the enemy gun was silenced and the riflemen driven to cover, permitting our forces to take the position. Sergeant Palmer’s cool and courageous action was instrumental in the continuous advance of his company.