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 Robert G. Hurley (ASN: RA-12336846), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 22 July 1951 in the vicinity of Taeusan, Korea. On that date, during a combat patrol deep in enemy territory, Private Hurley’s unit was suddenly subjected to intense enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire. Several members of the patrol were wounded before they were able to take cover. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Private Hurley, with complete disregard for his own safety, ignored the hostile fire and provided covering fire for his comrades. He inflicted numerous casualties upon the enemy and continued to remain in an exposed position in order to draw hostile fire, thereby enabling his comrades to withdraw safely. After assuring himself that his comrades had safely withdrawn, he proceeded to rejoin his unit. He had almost reached cover when an enemy mortar round exploded in his vicinity fatally wounding him. The gallantry in action and self-sacrificing devotion to comrades displayed by Private Hurley reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.