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] Jose M. L. Robles, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 36th Infantry Division, in action on 11 February 1944, in Italy. When an attack on strongly defended positions was stopped by intense machinegun and mortar fire, as first scout of his platoon, Sergeant Robles crawled forward in the face of the continuous sweeping enemy fire toward the gun emplacements. Firing rifle grenades until they were exhausted and then hurling hand grenades, he succeeded in knocking out the machinegun nest. Then, cleverly outmaneuvering the enemy, he led his squad to the unprotected left flank in time to block an attack in that sector. Delivering effective fire on the advancing enemy, he directed his men in repelling the attack and held his new positions throughout the day. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.