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 [then Technician Fifth Grade] Robert O. Butcher (ASN: 19141429), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 30th Reconnaissance Troop (Mechanized), 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 11 August 1944, in France. Sergeant Butcher was serving as a lead scout for a reconnaissance troop engaged in bridging a gap between two combat teams fighting a desperate enemy. The hostile force launched a determined counterthrust in an attempt to divide the American Force. The platoon with which Sergeant Butcher was fighting was fired on by German troops dressed in American uniforms. The element of surprised gained by the enemy by this tactic enabled them to mass sufficient fire power to make a withdrawal of our forces expedient. With great risk to his life, Sergeant Butcher remained in an exposed position in order to cover the withdrawal of his comrades. His effective fire killed many of the enemy, and diverted the firepower of others until a successful withdrawal could be accomplished. The heroic bravery and unselfish devotion to duty manifested by Sergeant Butcher reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.