The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Cavalry) Raymond L. Flanner (ASN: 0-1031638), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 30th Reconnaissance Troop (Mechanized), 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 1 September 1944, in France. First Lieutenant Flanner was commanding a platoon of his Reconnaissance Troop engaged in a sustained offensive against the enemy. During an advance the platoon encountered an enemy force in a strongly defensive position. It was impossible to bypass the enemy for all the roads were mined. Without hesitation, Frist Lieutenant Flanner ordered his platoon to make a headlong attack on the enemy positions in an attempt to catch them by surprise. First Lieutenant Flanner personally led the assault, riding in the lead vehicle. So sudden was the attack, the enemy was caught unprepared, and as a result of First Lieutenant Flanner’s daring, sixty-six prisoners were captured and at least fifty of the enemy were killed. The indomitable fighting spirit displayed in this daring action is outstanding. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Flanner, 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.