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 T. Gribbon (ASN: 37547989), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Company B, *** Infantry Regiment, 88th Infantry Division. On 8 July 1944, Company B was advancing toward *****, Italy. Private First Class Gribbon’s section was stopped by machine gun fire as his squad moved into a small draw to outflank the enemy position. As the squad was forming for the assault, another well concealed machine gun blasted at them from a close range and pinned them to the ground. This enfiladed grazing fire made moving impossible, as the slightest movement brought another burst from the enemy’s gun. Seeing the futility of remaining in this position, Private First Class Gribbon, acting entirely on his own initiative, attempted to crawl to the rear to gain help. Again, the intense fire from this machine gun halted his advance and pinned him to the ground. Realizing that help was still desperately needed, he leaped to his fee, completely exposed himself, and dashed to the rear. A machine gun burst shattered his rifle, knocking it out of his hand, but Private First Class Gribbon continued to run. Finally a bullet smashed the bones of his right leg, knocking him to the ground. exhibiting outstanding devotion to duty and with utter disregard for his own life, although suffering intense pain and bleeding profusely from his wound, he continued to drag himself to a position where he directed the fire of the supporting weapons. This fire silenced the enemy guns and enabled the remainder of his squad to successfully assault their objective, and assisted materially the advancement of the entire company. Private First Class Gribbon’s magnificent courage, conspicuous gallantry, and calmness in the face of fierce enemy fire has proven a shining example to both the offices and men of his company and exemplifies the finest traditions of the Armed Forces.