The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade Raymond J. Turmelle (ASN: 11014761), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Battery C, 33d Field Artillery Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Sicily in July and August 1943. When a determined enemy counterattack threatened to break through our lines, Corporal Turmelle, radio operator for an artillery observer, successfully moved his radio forward to an exposed hillside. Here, under heavy mortar and small arms fire, he found protection for his radio and was able to relay fire commands without interruption. Corporal Turmelle’s devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger enabled a coordinated and continuous mass of artillery fire to be placed on the enemy and contributed greatly to the repulse of the enemy attack. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.