The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Ralph W. Becket, Canadian Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the 1st Special Service Force, in action against the enemy near Castillon, France, on 4 September 1944. Lieutenant Colonel Becket, without regard for his personal safety, drove deep into enemy-held territory, over mined roads, to secure necessary intelligence for operations of the unit under his command. Acting upon information thus obtained, he led his troops in a boldly devised and vigorously executed plan of attack which quickly overcame enemy resistance and resulted in the capture of Mount Ours, a terrain feature of critical importance to the advance of friendly troops. The courage and aggressiveness shown by Colonel Becket in personally reconnoitering enemy dispositions, and his ability to quickly exploit knowledge thus obtained, reflect great credit upon himself and is in keeping with the high standards of the Allied forces.