The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Robert Eugene Eshenbaugh (ASN: RA-33421622), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company D, 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. During the early morning hours of 4 October 1951, the 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry, attacked well-fortified enemy positions on Hill 281, near Chungse-Re, Korea. Corporal Eshenbaugh, a machine-gunner, was assigned the mission of providing close support for the riflemen. As the vicious fighting progressed, Corporal Eshenbaugh voluntarily left his position of cover and moved to an unprotected point immediately to the rear of the assault troops, from which he could have a maximum field of fire. From this position he delivered such a devastating hail of fire upon the hostile entrenchments that the foe was forced to concentrate all of its small arms, automatic weapons and mortar fire power on Corporal Eshenbaugh’s position. Although hit and seriously wounded by a mortar shell fragment, Corporal Eshenbaugh undauntedly continued firing his weapon with devastating results, forcing the foe to withdraw in confusion. He fearlessly remained in position, firing at the retreating enemy, until a hostile mortar shell exploded nearby and mortally wounded him. His unwavering determination and courage accounted for twenty enemy dead and was instrumental in the capture of the strategically important hill. Corporal Eshenbaugh’s outstanding gallantry reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.