The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Signal Corps) Robert N. Bennett, United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of 2d Signal Company, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 2 October 1951 in the vicinity of Samtae-dong, Korea. On that date elements of the 1st Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, had established an outpost on the southeastern slope of Hill 851 on Heartbreak Ridge and had no communications with their commanding elements. Captain Bennett, fully aware of the hazards involved, volunteered to make a wire laying run by air down in the gorge to establish vitally needed communications. Upon beginning the wire laying run, Captain Bennett was continually exposed to intense enemy artillery, small arms, automatic Weapons, and mortar fire. Disregarding the deadly concentration of fire directed at the aircraft, Captain Bennett successfully completed the wire laying run, fully realizing that if the aircraft was disabled while flying at such low altitude the aircraft could only glide to a landing behind enemy lines. His complete disregard of his own safety and his exceptional technical skill permitted the vital communication link to be established, undoubtedly saved the lives of men of the outpost, and enabled the unit to complete its mission successfully. The gallantry in action displayed by Captain Bennett on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.