The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant] Robert N. Abbott (ASN: 0-1285369), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa in 1943. Lieutenant Abbott’s vehicle came under heavy enemy artillery and machine gun fire while transporting a truckload of ammunition to troops engaged in action with a strong enemy force in rugged, mountainous terrain. Although the vehicle was repeatedly strafed by enemy aircraft and hit several times, Lieutenant Abbott succeeded in delivering the ammunition to the troops. 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 and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in Lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] Robert N. Abbott (ASN: 0-1285369), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa and Sicily in 1943. Captain Abbott assumed command when his superior officers became casualties during a heavy engagement with the enemy. His alertness, keen tactical judgment, and courageous leadership in directing his battalion’s attack were instrumental in accomplishing the assigned mission. 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 and the United States Army.