The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Robert H. Herlong (ASN: 0-352129), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy from 4 October 1944 to 5 October 1944, in Holland. When his troops were disorganized by heavy casualties and an enemy counterattack, Lieutenant Colonel Herlong displayed extraordinary heroism by advancing through the withering fire to a position in advance of the most forward elements and urging his men to follow. Inspired by his gallant leadership, the men gained confidence and advanced willingly. Lieutenant Colonel Herlong later moved forward with a flame thrower and entered a pillbox from which there was such murderous fire that others were unable to get near it. The bravery, aggressive determination, and exemplary leadership exhibited by Lieutenant Colonel Herlong reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), [then Major] Robert H. Herlong (ASN: 0-352129), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 24 September 1944, in Holland. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Lieutenant Colonel Herlong advanced to the most forward elements of his battalion and courageously led them forward in the face of enemy fire. His men, inspired by this fearless example, assaulted the enemy positions and succeeded in taking the battalion objective. Lieutenant Colonel Herlong’s outstanding leadership and aggressiveness reflects great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) Robert H. Herlong (ASN: 0-352129), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 25 July 1944, in France. Major Herlong was assigned to duty as Commanding Officer of an infantry regiment given the mission of capturing a town heavily fortified by the enemy. At the critical moment in the attack when heavy enemy resistance threatened to bring the momentum of our attack to a standstill, Major Herlong personally led the assault elements of his command. Voluntarily subjecting himself to enemy small arms and artillery fire, he rallied his forces and led them to the successful capture of the objective. The aggressive determination and gallant leadership displayed by Major Herlong reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) Robert H. Herlong (ASN: 0-352129), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 2 September 1944, in France. Major Herlong was assigned to duty as Commanding Officer of an infantry assault force engaged in an attack on the enemy. When the leading tanks of his assault force hesitated due to hostile fire, Major Herlong ordered the commander of the lead tank to follow him, and led the way in his unprotected vehicle, the column following him. By his daring, Major Herlong kept the momentum of an important tactical advance moving. The unselfish devotion to duty and personal gallantry exhibited by Major Herlong reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.