The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant [then Private First Class] Robert B. Patterson (ASN: 39190266), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 7 August 1944, in France. Sergeant Patterson, after breaking away from an ambush, volunteered to lead tanks back to relieve his platoon. The tanks were soon able to cover the withdrawal of the platoon and to protect his regiment’s flank. Sergeant Patterson’s gallantry in going for aid through intense enemy fire, which wounded all the occupants of his vehicle but himself and another man, was an inspiration to all who observed him. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Sergeant Patterson, 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.