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 Private First Class Raymond L. Taft (ASN: 31469400), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Company G, 397th Infantry Regiment, 100th Infantry Division, in action at Heilbronn, Germany, on 5 April 1945. Private Taft was acting as lead scout while his company was advancing through the fiercely defended factory district of Heilbronn when his unit came under intense sniper and machine gun fire. Displaying magnificent courage and initiative, Private Taft, creeping and crawling, moved within 25 yards of the hostile gun. Then, gallantly exposing himself, he hurled a grenade into the enemy position and rushing forward in the face of point-blank fire, killed two Germans and wounded another. Although he, himself, had been wounded in the fight and was unable to stand, he continued firing, killing another enemy rifleman before he was instantly killed by enemy rifle fire. The valor, loyalty and extreme devotion to duty shown by Private Taft permitted his unit to continue their attack without delay and reach their objective. Private First Class Taft’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.