The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant [then Staff Sergeant] Robert C. Kircher (ASN: 32457024), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 20 June 1944, in France. After volunteering for a patrol whose mission was to determine suitable crossing sites over a canal, Technical Sergeant Kircher swam across the canal at three points to determine its depth and the slope of its banks despite the extreme danger of detection from nearby enemy outposts and savage artillery and mortar fire falling all around him. By his gallant actions, he obtained information valuable to the crossing of the canal at a later date. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Technical Sergeant Kircher, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.