The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Robert V. Springer (ASN: ER-15357538), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company L, 3rd Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Sanjung-ni, Korea, on 4 February 1951. During a withdrawal, having fired all available 60-mm. mortar ammunition, Private First Class Springer destroyed the base plate and bipod of his mortar and withdrew carrying the mortar tube. Moving into a draw he discovered several men who were pinned down by enemy machine gun fire. Looking about him he discovered a supply of mortar ammunition left behind by another gun crew. Without hesitation, he crawled to the top of the draw and expose himself to heavy enemy fire in an attempt to locate the enemy machine gun. Locating the gun he braced the mortar tube against some rocks to serve as a base plate and while adjusting the range and deflection by moving the tube with his hands began to place mortar fire on the enemy-held positions. The fire from the mortar soon silenced the enemy machine gun and he ordered the men to continue their withdrawal while he and an assistant continued their fire. He continued to fire inflicting 20 casualties on the enemy until all personnel had safely withdrawn and his ammunition was expended. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Springer, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.