The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Corps of Engineers) Robert Stanley Palmer (ASN: 0-20611), United States Army, for gallantry in action from ** to ** July, 1943, during operations of the 82d Airborne Division in Western Sicily. Lieutenant Colonel Palmer, Commanding the 307th Airborne Engineer Battalion, personally led his men on aggressive reconnaissance, seeking and destroying mine fields and road traps under hostile artillery fire, scouting in advance of friendly forward units to locate destroyed bridges and prepare detours and safe lanes for infantry and artillery around or through every obstacle. Lieutenant Colonel Palmer’s utter disregard for his own personal safety while directing and executing these operations, inspired and encouraged his men to surmount every difficulty and facilitate the rapid advance of the Division from *** to *** with a minimum of casualties. His effort was an outstanding contribution to the successful subjugation of Western Sicily. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Palmer, 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.