Gilbert E. Ray

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Gilbert E. Ray (35079974), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while serving as a Rifleman with Company B, 20th Armored Infantry Battalion, 10th Armored Division, at Ehrang, Germany, on 5 March 1945. When four assault boats were sunk by enemy mortar fire, Private First Class Ray, braving intense hostile fire, waded into the river to rescue two wounded soldiers from almost certain drowning, and then carried the wounded men over 500 yards of exposed terrain to safety. His gallant achievement reflects great credit upon himself and the military forces of the United States.