The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Richard W. Boyd (ASN: 35240217), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 318th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division, in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 12 April 1945 in Germany. During the bitter house to house fighting in Erfurt, Germany, on 12 April 1945, Private First Class Boyd and three other riflemen were reconnoitering a street when they were fired on from a large building. Private First Class Boyd, covered by the fire of his companions, rushed toward the building and after firing at and killing an enemy machine gunner he hurled a grenade through the window, killing three and wounding several more of the enemy. Entering the building with his three companions he captured forty German soldiers. Private First Class Boyd’s courage, aggressiveness, and sincere devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.