The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Sergeant] Richard Carlton (ASN: 36670949), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 222d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 5 January 1945 near Ingolsheim, France. Sergeant Carlton was commanding a squad on the outpost line of resistance occupied by his platoon near Ingolsheim, France when a greatly superior enemy force attacked the platoon compelling a withdrawal. While Sergeant Carlton and his squad were covering the withdrawal, one of the men of the squad was wounded by enemy fire. Going to the aid of the injured man, Sergeant Carlton administered first aid, in spite of the intensity of the enemy fire and the close proximity of the attacking Germans. While attempting to carry the wounded man across a stream, Sergeant Carlton was subjected to heavy concentration of enemy fire which again struck and fatally wounded the other soldier. Unable to carry him further, Sergeant Carlton remained with the wounded man until the hostile fire became so intense that he was forced to withdraw. His courageous leadership and unselfish devotion to duty served to inspire the other members of the platoon and are worthy of the highest praise.