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 Private Richard W. Thorne (ASN: 15012095), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 7 January 1945, near *****, Belgium. Private Thorne, Company Aid Man, exposed himself under heavy small arms and artillery fire to tend several wounded men. While making an attack, the platoon with which Private Thorne was advancing was pinned down by enemy fire and suffered heavy casualties as they lay on the snowy ground with meager cover. Private Thorne, with a complete unconcern for his own safety, moved from one casualty to another, treating in all some five wounded soldiers. In going about among the injured men, Private Thorne was hit in the chest by small arms fire and died almost immediately. His sacrifice of self for the wounded was far beyond the call of duty and in keeping with the finest traditions of the Medical Corps.