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 Ralph A. Burt (ASN: 36419951), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Company C, 143d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 6 December 1944, in France. When a large hostile force launched a determined counterattack against Company C’s position, Private First Class Burt, a radio operator, was sent back to contact a tank destroyer and guide it into position to support his unit. Working his way over 400 yards of terrain subjected to heavy artillery, mortar and nebelwerfer fire, he reached the tank destroyer and issued instructions to its crew. As he started back toward his company’s position, enemy infantrymen who had infiltrated the friendly lines attacked the tank destroyer with bazookas. Private First Class Burt discovered a disabled automatic rifle. Disassembling it in the dark, he swiftly made the necessary adjustments and put the weapon back into action. He directed effective bursts of fire into the midst of the hostile troops, killing at leas four and wounding several others. Although he was the target for direct fire, he valiantly maintained his position and continued operating his automatic rifle until elements of his company arrived to assist him in driving back the enemy force. 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, his unit, and the United States Army.