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 Harry L. Baldridge (ASN: 6989020), United States Army, for gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the 1st Armored Division on the Fifth Army Front in Italy during World War II. Lying in a ditch with other members of a squad while the immediate area was subjected to continuous, heavy artillery, mortar and small arms fire, Private Baldridge, a member of a litter squad, heard a wounded soldier’s cry for help. He voluntarily and unhesitatingly went alone through heavy fire to help him. Just as he reached the wounded soldier, he himself was hit and mortally wounded. The courage and concern for the welfare of this wounded soldier with complete disregard for his own safety displayed by Private Baldridge reflect the finest traditions of the armed forces and are deserving of the highest praise.