The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Robert R. Howling (ASN: 0-444611), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 15 September 1944, in Holland. First Lieutenant Howling was serving as a Platoon Leader with an Infantry Company engaged in a river crossing. His platoon protected the remainder of the company while they made the crossing following which First Lieutenant Howling was ordered to bring his men across. Enemy artillery falling in the area caused many of his men to seek shelter in nearby cellars prior to crossing. Unmindful of the hazards involved, he personally searched the entire area, rallied his men and made the crossing successfully. Upon completion of this mission he was ordered to clean out a pocket of enemy resistance. Although his platoon had been considerably depleted, he gallantly led his remaining men in the attack against the enemy, receiving painful wounds in the successful performance of his mission. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Howling, 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.