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 Rudolph E. Buckner, Jr. (ASN: 32974788), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with a Medical Detachment of the 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of ****, France, on 11 September 1944. As the 2d Battalion, *** Infantry Regiment made an assault crossing of the **** River in the face of heavy artillery, mortar, machine gun and small arms fire, Technician Buckner, an Aid Man, jumped into the rifer and swam to the aid of two wounded soldiers who were in danger of drowning. Despite heavy observed fire falling all around him, he made his way to one of the men and, grasping him with one arm, swam to the other, then held their heads above water and moved them to a shallow place. He helped to evacuate them to the battalion aid station. His intrepid actions, endurance, and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the service and reflect great credit upon the Medical Department of the Army.