The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fourth Grade Robert W. Cooper (ASN: 32234939), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 30 August 1944, in France. Technician Fourth Grade Cooper was a member of a motorized patrol which encountered severe enemy fire while in enemy territory and the patrol was forced to evacuate, leaving behind three of their vehicles. Realizing that if the vehicles were not guarded they would be liable to capture by the enemy, Technician Fourth Grade Cooper and a companion elected to remain behind close to the vehicles, guarding them from capture, until such time as the remainder of the patrol could secure help and return. Technician Fourth Grade Cooper remained in this hazardous location until the battalion with which he was serving advanced in attack. Two of the vehicles were recovered and in addition Technician Fourth Grade Cooper, through his knowledge of the enemy dispositions, was able to furnish the leading company of his battalion with invaluable information. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Technician Fourth Grade Cooper, 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.