The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers) Raymond L. Nelson (ASN: 0-1114242), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 150th Engineer Combat Battalion, 1135th Engineer Combat Group, XII Corps, in action against an armed enemy on 8 – 9 December 1944, in France. Company B had the mission of building 160 feet, double-single, Bailey Bridge, across the Saar River at Sarreinaming. Construction of the bridge was started at 1630 hours and work proceeded uninterrupted until 1930 hours when intense observed artillery fire blanketed the bridge site forcing the working party to seek shelter. Upon several occasions Lieutenant Nelson with his platoon, continued work on the bridge, despite artillery shells falling in the immediate vicinity of the bridge site. At times the enemy fire became so intense that the men were forced to seek shelter. Lieutenant Nelson, the last to leave the bridge site each time, remained at the site assuring himself that all men had safely reached cover. Lieutenant Nelson, realizing the urgency of his mission, repeatedly led his men back to the work site, thereby contributing immeasurably to the ultimate completion of the bridge and saving a seriously threatened bridgehead. The enemy artillery fire scoring on the bridge site was so accurate that steel members of the bridge were damaged. His outstanding courage and gallantry displayed under such intense and accurate hostile fire proved an ever-noticeable inspiration to his men and a great factor contributing to the successful completion of the mission. The tireless energy, tenacity of purpose, and gallant devotion beyond the call of duty of Lieutenant Nelson reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.