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 Private Robert W. Lougee (ASN: 31351858), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company H, 2d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 18 November 1944, near Hamick, Germany. After a successful attack, his company consolidated the position and Private Lougee manned a heavy machine gun. Within the first few minutes of an enemy counterattack, he was wounded in the shoulder and his assistant killed. Despite his physical condition, Private Lougee encouraged the members of his squad to remain at their positions and fight it out with the enemy, while he continued to man and operate his gun. When his machine gun was destroyed by enemy fire and he sustained further wounds, he continued to fight effectively, using the arms of his fallen fellow soldiers. Private Lougee was killed while participating in mortal hand-to-hand combat with the enemy. His display of courage, patriotism, and devotion to duty so inspired his comrades that they successfully fought off the attack against overwhelming odds. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.