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 Raymond A. Uttaro (ASN: 32038600), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the Coast Artillery, in action at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 18 March 1944. While manning a Field Artillery gun which was emplaced on an exposed hillcrest to silence enemy artillery at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, Corporal Uttaro was severely wounded by shell fragments but managed to extinguish fires which were started by exploding shells around the gun and in the ammunition pit. In so doing he sustained injuries from powder burns. His courageous action, at the risk of his life, saved valuable Ordnance material and prevented an explosion which would have endangered the lives of all troops in the vicinity of the gun positions. Corporal Uttaro’s gallant actions and selfless devotion to duty, without regard for his own safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.