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 E. Gallinger, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 12 March 1944. When the troops assaulting strong Japanese positions on Hill 700 were pinned down by heavy fire, Private Gallinger crawled over exposed terrain to get a light machine gun with which he killed several snipers who occupied advantageous positions in trees. This enabled the troops to again advance and gain the crest of a steep slope. With the machine gun on high ground, he continued giving support to the attackers. Later, he unhesitatingly went to the aid of a wounded soldier in the face of devastating hostile fire. His heroic effort contributed materially to the success of the mission and was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.