The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Staff Sergeant] Raymond F. Ridenbaugh (ASN: 0-1692501), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 141st Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action on 20 and 21 January 1944 in Italy. Sergeant Ridenbaugh was assigned the mission of leading his machine gun platoon in support of a rifle company during an attack across a strategically important river. He was advancing with the company’s leading elements when the enemy suddenly opened fire with machine guns and mortars, pinning the unit to the ground. Sergeant Ridenbaugh fearlessly exposed himself to the incessant fire in order to return to his platoon and move it into an advantageous firing position. He directed his men in delivering effective fire on the enemy, thereby enabling the rifle troops to maneuver out of the shell-blasted area. He was then ordered to resume his former outpost position approximately 200 yards from the river bank. He had maneuvered his platoon to within 50 yards of the spot when he discovered that it had been occupied by hostile troops. He directed accurate machine gun fire on the enemy, inflicting heavy casualties and regaining his position. On the following night he again supported a rifle company in the attack. When the company suffered numerous casualties and lost its officers, Sergeant Ridenbaugh took charge of the riflemen, while still commanding his own platoon, and organized a strong defense line, again killing and wounding many of the enemy.