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 (Infantry), [then Second lieutenant] Ray E. Northrip (ASN: 0-1327174), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 31 March 1945, at 0600 hours, near Kirschfurt, Germany, when a company-size enemy counterattack threatened to cut off his platoon, First Lieutenant Northrip deployed one squad to cover his advance while he led two squads forward 150 yards by short bounds, completely outflanking the enemy. Then, despite enemy automatic fire directed at him from ranges as close as seventy-five yards, First Lieutenant Northrip blasted the enemy with his carbine and at the same time ran among his men, rallying them and directing their fire. First Lieutenant Northrip and his men killed six enemy, wounded six and captured seventy-two. 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.