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) Richard G. Erskine (ASN: 0-542083), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of ****, Germany, on 28 April 1945. When his men were pinned to position by heavy enemy fire, Lieutenant Erskine, a platoon leader, gallantly exposed himself to the enemy fire in order to reorganize his platoon and direct it to another location, where he consolidated a defensive position and repelled strong enemy counterattacks. Although wounded, he refused evacuation until the position of his unit was secured. His courage and leadership inspired the troops under his command, and are in accord with the military traditions of the United States.