The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Orval Ray McDaniel (ASN: 39904065), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with ,the 87th Mountain Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 16 April 1945, near Mt. Croce, Italy. When an infantry company occupied the summit of a commanding mountain peak and commenced digging in on the reverse slope, the enemy laid down a terrific artillery and mortar barrage on the mountain, making an exposure most hazardous. Because of the danger of imminent counterattack, it was necessary for someone to cross to the forward slope of the mountain, which was exposed to the heaviest fire, to dig an emplacement in the rocky, precipitous ground which offered no natural protective terrain features. Voluntarily, Sergeant McDaniel and two of his men undertook the hazardous mission, moved forward in the face of the deadliest enemy action and commenced preparing an observation post. As he courageously assisted in the digging of the emplacement, he was mortally wounded by enemy artillery, and died soon after. His heroic sacrifice inspired all who witnessed it to maintain their precarious position in spite of the heaviest enemy fire. Such gallant devotion to duty was earned Sergeant McDaniel undying fame in keeping with the finest traditions of the United States Army.