The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Raymond R. Collins (ASN: 14120290), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 323d Infantry Regiment, 81st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on Peleliu Island, Palau Group, on 24 November 1944. Just prior to dawn, an enemy attack struck the position occupied by a small group under the command of Private First Class Collins. When continuing enemy pressure forced the temporary abandonment of the position, Private First Class Collins, by outstanding leadership, reorganized his group and continued the action from a new position a short distance to the rear. A number of enemy dead resulted from this action. During a lull in the combat Private First Class Collins personally reconnoitered his former position and reoccupied it before ordering his detachment forward. The initiative and courage shown by Private First Class Colins in this action was outstanding and he was largely responsible that the position on this part of the front remained intact. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Collins, 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.