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 L. Stevenson (ASN: 34045777), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 613th Tank Destroyer Battalion, 79th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 24 and 25 January 1945 in France. Sergeant Stevenson, a reconnaissance company platoon sergeant, volunteered to employ his two armored reconnaissance vehicles to support friendly infantry who were forced to withdraw in the face of a powerful enemy attack in regaining the lost positions. Sergeant Stevenson and his crew then patrolled the unfamiliar area in darkness, encountering many enemy soldiers and inflicting severe casualties. The engagement lasted for a number of hours during which time Sergeant Stevenson and his crew were subjected to intense mortar and small arms fire. The armored car returned to friendly positions only after all ammunition was expended. Due to the actions of Sergeant Stevenson, the enemy suffered heavy losses in this sector. The courageous leadership and tenacity of purpose in the face of a numerically superior enemy displayed by Sergeant Stevenson reflects highest credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.