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 Robert P. Heitgar (ASN: 35006728), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands. During the attack against Mount Pacawagan on 24 April 1945, Private Heitgar’s mortar section received a terrific concentration of Japanese artillery fire. Observing two seriously wounded soldiers lying in a partially exposed area, Private Heitgar immediately left his sheltered position and dashed to the aid of his comrades. He administered temporary first aid, and even though hostile fire was still falling, started to drag the most seriously wounded casualty to safety. However, just as he was about to complete his mission, Private Heitgar was seriously wounded by enemy mortar fire. His heroism in attempting to save the lives of two comrades at great personal risk was in the highest tradition of the Armed Forces of the United States.