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 Staff Sergeant Ralph L. Baumann (ASN: 35572881), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 302d Infantry Regiment, 94th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Germany from 19 March 1945 to 21 March 1945. During an attack on strongly defended pillboxes near Besch, Germany, Sergeant Baumann repeatedly distinguished himself when his company was pinned down by intense fire from an enemy pillbox. The courageous sergeant dashed to the fortification and, with devastating fire, covered the advance of other assaulting forces. On another occasion when the attack was stalled by heavy fire from an enemy machine gun he charged the position, knocked out the gun and killed the crew. The conspicuous heroism Sergeant Baumann repeatedly displayed, and his courageous determination and loyal devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military service.