The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Sergeant [then Sergeant First Class] Robert B. Sheldon (ASN: ER36906158), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company H, [then attached to Company G], 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 17 September 1951 in the vicinity of Satae-ri, Korea. On this date Company G was ordered to make a tactical withdrawal while engaged in an intense fire fight with a numerically superior hostile force. Sergeant Sheldon, leader of the machine gun section, exposed himself continuously to the heavy enemy automatic weapons and mortar fire in order to direct adequate protective fore for the withdrawing troops. Moving among his men, he shouted words of encouragement and directed their fire until the friendly elements had completed their maneuver. At this point he ordered his machine gun crews to join the withdrawn units and then voluntarily remained behind to provide covering fire for them. Undaunted by the risk involved, he held off the onrushing enemy force until he was certain that all of his men had reached safety. Through his courageous efforts the friendly units were able to complete their assigned mission with a minimum of casualties. The gallantry in action and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Sheldon on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.