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 Ralph A. Hagstrom, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Italy, on 20 December 1943. An Infantry communications man, Private First Class Hagstrom covered an open area which afforded cover and, in broad daylight and under intense enemy artillery fire, found a tear in communications wire and repaired it. Shells burst within 30 feet of him, and on one occasion hit so close that the concussion blew his helmet off. Nevertheless, he searched the entire impact area, covering more than 300 yards, found the break in the wire and repaired it, thereby insuring necessary communication between the battalion and the regiment. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.