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 [then Private] Robert F. Kurtz (ASN: US-55130554), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 38th Infantry Regiment , 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 2 and 3 September 1951 in the vicinity of Mandeau-san, Korea. On these dates, friendly units were defending their positions against a numerically superior enemy force. Despite the intense hostile small arms, automatic weapons, and mortar fire, Private Kurtz, with utter disregard for his personal safety, courageously fought the overwhelming enemy force inflicting numerous casualties upon them. As a result of his dauntless action, the hostile attack was repulsed, thus enabling friendly units to maintain their positions. The gallantry in action displayed by and devotion to duty displayed by Private Kurtz on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.