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 Robert Taschner (ASN: RA-6899895), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 31 August 1950 and 1 September 1950, in the vicinity of Changnyong, Korea. On the night of 31 August 1950, a powerful enemy force penetrated the front lines and attacked his company’s command group from the rear. Sergeant Taschner assumed command of the group and deployed them in the best possible defensive positions. He then waited until the enemy were within 25 feet of his position before giving the order to fire. The fire delivered by his group was a complete surprise to the enemy, who immediately became disorganized and scattered for cover. The enemy soon reorganized, however, and repeatedly throughout the night attacked the group without gaining ground. Throughout the firefight Sergeant Taschner constantly exposed himself to intense hostile automatic weapons and small arms fire, moving about his fire-swept perimeter, encouraging and inspiring his men by his own fearless conduct. The numerically superior enemy succeeded at last in surrounding the group and orders were received to withdraw to a more tenable position. Moving through the enemy he succeeded in evacuating two wounded soldiers and brought out all serviceable vehicles, weapons and supplies. As a result of his courageous stand in the face of overwhelming odds, he prevented the enemy from attacking the rear of his company which was at the time heavily engaged in defending frontal positions. The gallantry and inspirational leadership displayed on this occasion by Sergeant Taschner reflect the highest credit upon himself are in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.