The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Grady Salmons (ASN: 35268931), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 7 August 1944, in France. Corporal Salmons, a Browning Automatic Rifleman assisted to an Infantry unit, was given the mission of protecting the left flank of his unit which had been isolated by enemy forces. Although hostile machine gun and small arms fire was exceptionally heavy, Corporal Salmons crawled to a position from which he had a good field of fire although it meant exposing himself to the enemy. From this position he placed such effective fire on the enemy that they were forced to withdraw. Later in the day, Corporal Salmons was wounded while covering the withdrawal of an adjoining unit. The courage and aggressiveness displayed by this courageous soldier are worthy of the highest praise and were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.