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 Fourth Grade Raymond F. Barton, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a Medical Aid Man with Company E, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. On 17 September 1944, during an engagement against strong enemy forces in the vicinity of Vechel, Holland, Technician Fourth Grade Barton volunteered to cross a bridge across the Williams Vaart Canal to aid the wounded on the eastern side of the canal behind a railroad embankment. This was a distance of approximately 60 yards, every inch of which was covered by heavy machinegun and rifle fire. In daylight and under a concentration of very intense fire, Technician Fourth Grade Barton dashed from cover of the west bank across the bridge and down behind the railroad embankment. While doing this he was burdened with medical aid equipment and supplies. His aid to the wounded was directly responsible for saving at least five lives. When a counterattack was launched, Technician Fourth Grade Barton voluntarily accompanied the assault echelon. While vigorous fighting was in progress all around him and enemy fire continually harassed him, he administered aid to his wounded comrades on the battlefield and directed their evacuation from the area. Through his courage and devotion to duty he was instrumental in saving many lives. His actions were in accordance with the highest standards of the military service.