The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Raymond H. Strand (ASN: 37172724), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 359th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division in action on 9 November 1944 in the vicinity of Petite Hattange, France. During a rapid advance, Company **, 359th Infantry Regiment, successfully by-passed an enemy machine gun position. Realizing that the enemy gun was a dangerous threat to the companies to follow, Staff Sergeant Strand, Squad Leader, secured the aid of three enlisted men and, at risk of his life, led the group into a position where accurate rifle fire could be directed on the enemy position. The small group successfully silenced the gun by killing one enemy and capturing six. Staff Sergeant Strand was killed in action two days later. His gallantry was in accordance with high military tradition.