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. Mentzer (ASN: 35384561), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 315th Infantry Regiment, 79th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 6 July 1944 in France. While acting as squad leader, conducing litter bearers to evacuate a gravely wounded soldier, Private Mentzer bravely led his squad through intense enemy fire to reach the wounded man. They placed him on the litter and were proceeding to move him to a place of safety when they were subjected to an especially heavy concentration of mortar fire. Directing the litter bearers to take cover Private Mentzer remained at the side of the wounded man and when he was twice thrown off his feet by concussion, he pulled the litter into a foxhole where he administered first aid. His devotion to duty and dauntless courage under fire reflect highest credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.