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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Ross Sifford (ASN: 0-1013522), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 4 June 1944 near Rome, Italy. While leading his tank platoon in an assault, Lieutenant Sifford encountered several strong points effectively blocking the advance of the infantry. Observing that the enemy positions could not be fired upon directly without great risk of life and tanks, Lieutenant Sifford ordered all but his own tank to a defiladed position and attacked alone to the enemy’s flank. Upon engaging the enemy Lieutenant Sifford raised himself in the turret of the tank, fully exposed to intense fire, and threw hand grenades into the positions. As a result of this deed Lieutenant Sifford destroyed two machine gun nests, captured twelve prisoners, saved many lives among the infantry and enabled them to advance more rapidly. The courage and devotion to duty displayed by him were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.