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) Robert C. Gardner (ASN: 0-1330175), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Company F, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action on 11 February 1951, near Hoedong-ni, Korea. After Company F had captured the right knob of a hill, it was necessary to secure the center knob of the objective to hold the already taken ground. After two assaults had failed and darkness began to set in, Lieutenant Gardner moved to the front of the platoon and started another attack. As he led the unit forward, he shouted words of encouragement, urging the men on, annihilating one enemy position after another until the objective was secured. Lieutenant Gardner’s gallantry reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.