The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class Robert Harrison Lane, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Battery B, 1st Battalion, 77th Artillery Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class Land distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 1 April 1970, while serving as gunner on Fire Support Base Illingworth in the Republic of Vietnam. When the base came under an intense rocket and ground attack, Specialist Fourth Class Lane rushed to his gun position although rockets and mortars were impacting all about him. Even when knocked off his feet and wounded by the concussion of an exploding round, he continued firing his howitzer. Refusing medical service, he provided urgently needed artillery supporting fire, until an enemy rocket impacted in the gun pit, mortally wounding him. His gallant action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.