The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Milton E. Ratliff (ASN: 20457898), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 4 October 1944, in Germany. Technical Sergeant Ratliff was serving as a Platoon Sergeant during this time that his Infantry unit had been greatly depleted by severe enemy counterattacks. During early morning hours, a determined enemy counterattack supported by tanks was launched. Technical Sergeant Ratliff rallied his platoon and fought off the enemy for five hours until reinforcements arrived. He exposed himself constantly to direct small arms fire and tank fire in an effort to accomplish the utmost in destroying the enemy. When their radio was put out of order. Technical Sergeant Ratliff voluntarily risked his life to contact his company commander and give a personal account of the situation and which later resulted in the arrival of reinforcements. His outstanding bravery and inspiring example to his men were determining factors in the successful repulsing of the numerically superior enemy force. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Technical Sergeant Ratliff, 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.