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 First Class Robert M. Hirsch (ASN: 16098544), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 242d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division. On 9 January 1945, at Rittershoffen, France, when five enemy tanks attempted to outflank our positions, Private Hirsch remained at his post on a 57-mm. anti-tank gun in spite of heavy enemy machine gun and 88-mm. fire, as a result of which two enemy tanks were put out of action. He was later reported missing in action.