The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Raymond P. Haener (ASN: 19079777), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company H, 3d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 10 July 1943, six miles northeast of ****, Sicily. Private First Class Haener voluntarily entered an attack on an enemy position holding back the advance of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division,. During the attack a *** machine gun placed flanking fire upon Private First Class Haener’s squad and pinned it down. Private First Class Haener fired his rocket launcher at the enemy machine gun nest, but the launcher exploded. With utter disregard for his personal safety, Private First Class Haener secured another rocket launcher and returned to his squad. Firing a second time, Private First Class Haener blew up the enemy machine gun nest, killing its crew of four. This action permitted Private First Class Haener’s squad to resume its advance to the successful accomplishment of its mission. 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.