The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Richard R. Armstrong (ASN: 37573198), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 276th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division, on 11 January 1945, near Obermuhlthal, France. When his unit was pinned down by machine gun and rifle fire from an enemy patrol, Staff Sergeant Armstrong, with total disregard for his own safety, crawled alone to the flank of the enemy patrol and boldly opened fire with his rifle. His action permitted his unit to resume movement, overcome the opposition, and accomplish its mission.