The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant [then Corporal] Ross S. Carter (ASN: 33089445), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 23 December 1943 on Hill 687, about two miles north of San Pietro, Italy. Sergeant Carter came to the aid of his platoon leader and eighteen men who had been pinned down by hostile machine gun fire. With utter disregard for his own safety and without orders he voluntarily moved to the flank of two of the enemy machine guns and by exposing himself numerous times in different places, caused the enemy to believe that they were being attacked from the flank. Although most of the enemy fire was directed on Sergeant Carter’s position, he remained in the heavy concentration for one and one half hours. By his diversionary fire, the remainder of the platoon was able to withdraw to a covered position without a single casualty. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.