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 H. Cantrell, United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 85th Infantry Division in Italy in September 1944. While moving with his platoon over a group of hills from which they were clearing the enemy, Private Cantrell, together with his squad leader, upon finding an enemy machine gun about to ambush the platoon, took up firing positions and engaged the gun crew in an intense fight. His squad leader killed, and his own position rendered extremely precarious by the deadly hail of enemy fire, Private Cantrell courageously maintained his position and succeeded in killing the enemy gunner with a well-aimed shot. His prompt and gallant response to the imminent threat presented by the hostile machine gun undoubtedly saved the lives of many of his comrades and enabled the platoon to continue upon it’s mission, reflecting great credit upon himself and the military service.