The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Richard F. Sawyer (ASN: 0-1823217), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the *** Tank Destroyer Battalion, XII Corps, in action against an armed enemy from 19 to 26 December 1944, in Germany and Belgium. The interphone system of a tank destroyer was broken and it was necessary for Lieutenant Sawyer to stand on the ground and direct fire of the destroyer under intense small arms, automatic weapons, mortar and anti-tank fire./ When the destroyer was hit, killing the driver and injuring the crew, he evacuated the injured from theirthe turret under incessant fire. He returned to another destroyer and evacuated a man wounded by mortar fire. On his own initiative he entered the besieged town of Bastogne, Belgium, attached himself to friendly troops and successfully led a tank force of tanks on Villaroux, Belgium. Through his display of outstanding leadership, courage, untiring efforts and utter disregard for his safety he performed a most conspicuous service in battle and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.