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 Technical Sergeant] Richmond M. Haggard (ASN: 0-887520), United States Army, for gallantry in action in northern France while serving with the 90th Infantry Division. On 9 July 1944 at ***, France, Lieutenant Haggard commanded a machine gun platoon in an attack. The platoon suddenly came under intense small arms fire and receive several casualties, wiping out one gun crew. Lieutenant Haggard courageously ran across the field still covered by small arms fire, recovered the gun and manned it himself. He kept the German position under fire, permitting his platoon to move to a more favorable position. It was not until the platoon was well in its new position that Lieutenant Haggard rejoined his unit. This gallant action on the part of Lieutenant Haggard was a fine example of devotion to duty, courage and determination and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.