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.