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 Captain (Field Artillery) Robert Louis Pomerene (ASN: 0-50438), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters, 15th Field Artillery Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 12 February 1951 in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Hoeng-song, Korea. Enemy forces in overwhelming numbers poured through the United Nations lines and compelled the artillery battalion to withdraw to new positions. With the enemy occupying the hills on all sides and bringing small arms, automatic weapons and mortar fire down on the artillery position, Captain Pomerene deliberately and without regard for his personal safety continually exposed himself in order to encourage the men and maintain their morale. Under most adverse circumstances and in the confusion of the battle he coolly organized and conducted a fire direction center, bringing effective artillery fire on the attacking enemy. He refused cover or resort to his personal weapons in order to instill confidence in his men and thereby increase their combat efficiency. In an attempt to save an immobilized howitzer, he stopped a vehicle so that he could limber the piece to it. On learning that there were wounded men aboard he refused the assistance because it would slow them down and jeopardize the wounded. Instead, he chose to remain with the piece in the hope that another vehicle would come along. As a result, he was mortally wounded, but his heroic example inspired the men of his battalion to carry the fight to the enemy and inflict severe losses on them. The gallantry and courageous leadership displayed by Captain Pomerene reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
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Awards Received
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Bronze Star Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Field Artillery), [then First Lieutenant]Batallion:
15th Field Artillery BattalionDivision:
2d Infantry DivisionAction Date:
November 12, 1950
Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 39 (February 13, 1951)The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” (Posthumously) to Captain (Field Artillery), [then First Lieutenant] Robert Louis Pomerene (ASN: 0-50438), United States Army, for heroic achievement in connections with military operations against an armed enemy of the United States is awarded to CAPTAIN ROBERT L. POMERENE, 050483, Artillery, United States Army, a member of Headquarters Battery, 15th Field Artillery Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, who distinguished himself by heroic achievement on 12 November 1950 near Pugwon, Korea. On that date, as an artillery liaison officer attached to a rifle battalion, he was in a forward observation post directing fire to cover an attack by elements of the battalion. As the attacking force advanced across an open field, the enemy opened fire with mortars and automatic weapons, causing great confusion and inflicting heavy casualties. Captain Pomerene, although a liaison officer with no command function, left his observation post and calmly walked through the heavy enemy fire, talking in a quiet but firm manner to the withdrawing men, encouraging them to take their places on the original line. After the line was restored, he directed the treatment and evacuation of the wounded. As a result of his fearless and inspiring actions, he was directly responsible for saving many lives and contributed greatly to the morale of all members of the unit. The heroism displayed by Captain Pomerene on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Field Artillery), [then First Lieutenant]Batallion:
15th Field Artillery BattalionDivision:
2d Infantry DivisionAction Date:
September 14, 1950
Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 92 (November 24, 1950, Amended by General Orders No. 143 (June 11, 1951)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Captain (Field Artillery), [then First Lieutenant] Robert Louis Pomerene (ASN: 0-50438), United States Army, for heroic achievement as a member of Headquarters Battery, 15th Field Artillery Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 14 September 1950 near Sidang, Korea. On this date he was a forward observer attached to a rifle company which had the mission of attacking an undetermined number of enemy, who were attempting to establish a roadblock on the main supply route. As the company was approaching their objective the enemy suddenly subjected them to intense automatic weapons, mortar and anti-tank fire from positions on the hills. This unexpected volume of fire forced the company to withdraw. Captain Pomerene, with complete disregard for his safety, voluntarily took charge of a rifle platoon, and by his aggressive action and forceful leadership, established a base of fire which allowed the rest of the company to make an orderly withdrawal with a minimum of casualties. The heroism displayed by Captain Pomerene on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.