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 Willard E. Ranney (ASN: 37044008), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 133d Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, in Italy. When orders were received to withdraw his infantry platoon, Sergeant Ranney, under extremely heavy machine gun and mortar fire, crossed an open field in full view of the enemy to convey the order to one of his squads. Finding all but four men of the squad wounded, he stayed in the exposed position and single-handedly delivered covering fire until his squad reached a covered position, but while he himself was trying to rejoin his platoon he was fatally wounded. 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, his unit, and the United States Army.