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 Fifth Grade Raymond H. Furcht, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 45th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy during the heavy fighting on the Salerno Beachhead in Italy, on 13 September 1943. Corporal Furcht, accompanied by his Commanding Officer, drove a quarter-ton truck down a road which was under heavy enemy artillery, mortar, and machinegun fire in an effort to reach some wounded infantrymen. When the truck was disabled by a burst from a German machinegun, he gathered up medical supplies, including plasma, and ran across an open field which was under enemy observation and heavy fire. He assisted in administering blood plasma and first aid to all the wounded in this sector while under intense enemy fire. Even though wounded by shell fragments, he continued to aid in the evacuation of others. He was credited with saving the lives of at least three wounded men.