The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Robert C. Messmer, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company I, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, on 9 October 1951, in the vicinity of Satae-ri, Korea. On this date a platoon of Company I was pinned down by intense hostile fire from an enemy bunker. Corporal Messmer, a squad leader, realizing the seriousness of the situation and with complete disregard for his personal safety, advanced through the intense enemy fire toward the hostile emplacement. With hand grenades he single-handedly destroyed the bunker and killed its occupants. Corporal Messmer then secured an automatic weapon and continued on in the one man assault on the hostile positions. So inspired by this example of bravery under fire, his men rose from their positions and followed him in the attack. By his courageous actions his unit was able to secure its objective and inflict numerous casualties upon the hostile force. The gallantry in action and dogged determination displayed by Corporal Messmer on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.