The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Ralph N. Whiting (ASN: 20724123), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action in the **** Sector, Normandy, France, on 19 July 1944. When he observed a large wrecker strike a mine and burst into flames, Sergeant Whiting went immediately into the flaming area and succeeded in evacuating an injured man trapped in the burning wreckage, to the side of the road. The enemy began to place observed mortar fire in the area, and Sergeant Whiting lifted the injured soldier to his shoulders and removed him to a place of safety. The gallant and courageous actions of Sergeant Whiting, who placed the welfare of an injured comrade above his personal safety, reflect the highest credit upon his character as a soldier and upon the military service.