The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Robert A. Rueckheim (ASN: US-56056145), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. On 6 January 1952, near Kosansang, Korea, elements of Company E were on a raiding patrol with the mission of contacting the foe and inflicting as much damage as possible. While proceeding toward the objective, a land mine explosion injured both the platoon leader and the platoon sergeant. Sergeant Rueckheim, a squad leader, immediately assumed the duties of platoon sergeant and continued on the mission. Soon after making contact with the enemy, they were pinned down by intense hostile automatic-weapons fire from a well-entrenched bunker. Realizing the necessity for silencing the foe, Sergeant Rueckheim, with complete disregard for his personal safety, fearlessly left his position of cover and dashed through the withering hail of enemy bullets toward the bunker. Reaching his objective he single-handedly destroyed the position and killed its occupants by showering grenades into the bunker. His courageous and aggressive actions removed the enemy obstacle and allowed his patrol to continue its advance and successfully accomplish its mission. Sergeant Rueckheim’s gallantry reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.