The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Robert Kegel (ASN: 36837696), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 255th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 18 April 1945, in the vicinity of Eltorshofen, Germany. Private First Class Kegel and his entire squad were pinned down by enemy fire in an exposed position. With complete disregard for his own safety, Private First Class Kegel stood up and walked toward the enemy positions. This heroic act drew the fire away from the rest of the squad and allowed them to find covered positions. Thereafter, although wounded by sniper fire, Private First Class Kegel aided materially in clearing the enemy from the town. His courage and gallantry under fire reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.