The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Richard A. Harris (ASN: 0-1312557), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against the enemy on 7 January 1945, near ****, Belgium. First Lieutenant Harris and his platoon had the hazardous mission of clearing a road and was fired upon from a woods. First Lieutenant Harris skillfully deployed his platoon and led the assault in a successful attack, killing three of the enemy and capturing the remainder. Continuing down the road with First Lieutenant Harris still in the lead position, the patrol approached a small clump of trees on a high knoll from which dug-in enemy automatic weapons trapped them in a hail of fire. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, First Lieutenant Harris again led the attacking force toward the enemy positions. Far in the lead of his platoon and firing as he advanced, he was wounded seriously by enemy fire. Despite his wounds, he valorously drove himself forward to within grenade range before he was finally shot to death. First Lieutenant Harris’ gallant courage and devotion to duty inspired his men and is typical of the highest standards of the Airborne Forces.