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 Corporal Robert J. Erdman (ASN: 39855018), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 692d Tank Destroyer Battalion, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 19 April 1945 at Stein, Germany. As a platoon of tank destroyers was leading the infantry advance upon Stein, stiff resistance from enemy fire was encountered. Disregarding his own safety, Corporal Erdman voluntarily entered the town in his leading tank destroyer without support from the infantry or other armor. The sudden entry of this vehicle disrupted the enemy defenses, but the vehicle was hit by an enemy Panzerfaust and Corporal Erdman was mortally wounded. His gallant action enabled the troops following him to penetrate the defenses of Stein with a minimum of casualties.