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 M. Stanley (ASN: 34965115), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 315th Infantry Regiment, 79th Infantry Division, on 28 November 1944 in France. When his squad leader was wounded by enemy machine gun fire Sergeant Stanley assumed command and disposed the squad into positions affording a good field of fire. Then, under covering fire from an automatic rifleman he crawled to within 20 yards of the enemy position and threw a grenade, killing the machine gun crew, enabling his squad to move quickly into the town of Batzendorf, which was the immediate objective. The gallant leadership and aggressiveness displayed by Sergeant Stanley reflect highest credit on himself and the armed forces of the United States.