The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant] Ragnar H. Peterson (ASN: 01310634), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company H, 2d Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, attached to the 34th Infantry Division, on 4 July 1944, in the vicinity of Rosignano, Italy. When several men of the advance element in his battalion were pinned down by enemy fire, First Lieutenant Peterson deliberately exposed himself and deceived the enemy into directing their fire elsewhere while the men withdrew to safety. Until he was wounded, First Lieutenant Peterson repeatedly drew hostile fire while directing the destruction of many enemy emplacements that were impeding his battalion’s progress. His heroic action, performed at the risk of personal safety, was an inspiration to the men under his command, and reflects great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.