The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Robert E. Lee (ASN: 42142992), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 11 February 1945 in Germany. On that date, Staff Sergeant Lee, commander of a rifle squad attacking through enemy held woods near Biesdorf, Germany, observed that a German machine gun on the flank was temporarily delaying the advance of the company. Realizing that many casualties would result from this fire, Staff Sergeant Lee voluntarily crawled through mortar and artillery fire to an exposed position fifty yards from the enemy emplacement, destroying the machine gun and crew with one round of rocket fire. Later, an anti-tank gun prevented the company’s advance and again Staff Sergeant Lee destroyed the gun by effective rocket fire. His bravery, aggressiveness, and steadfast devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.