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 Richard J. Kopp (ASN: 42140272), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 17 April 1945, in Germany. Acting on their own initiative, Private First Class Kopp and a comrade advanced under intense small arms fire on a factory occupied by the enemy. They took two prisoners and returned to their platoon with enemy weapons which were used against the remainder of the enemy force occupying the factory. As a result of their heroic action, the volume of fire coming from the enemy strongpoint was reduced so that the factory could be seized. Private First Class Kopp’s initiative, courage, and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.