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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 (Field Artillery) Robert C. McLaughlin (ASN: 0-1170491), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 118th Field Artillery Battalion, 30th Infantry Division on 15 July 1944, in France. Lieutenant McLaughlin was assigned to duty as forward observer for a field artillery unit supporting an infantry attacking force. At the height of the battle, when a strong enemy counterattack forced the withdrawal of our infantry to more suitable defensive positions, Lieutenant McLaughlin with utter disregard for his safety, remained in a position in advance of the withdrawing troops in order to direct artillery fire against the advancing enemy. His cool performance of duty and superior leadership were largely responsible for repulsing the enemy counterattack and enabling our infantry forces to continue their attack. The aggressive and deliberate bravery and unselfish devotion to duty exhibited by Lieutenant McLaughlin reflect great credit on himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Field Artillery)

    Batallion:

    118th Field Artillery Battalion

    Division:

    30th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    April 8, 1945
    Headquarters, 30th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 131 (May 25, 1945)

    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 Captain (Field Artillery) Robert C. McLaughlin (ASN: 0-1170491), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 118th Field Artillery Battalion, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 8 April 1945, in Germany. Captain McLaughlin was a member of a task force which was suddenly held up by severe enemy fire while approaching an enemy town. In order to knock out the enemy positions, Captain Mclaughlin ordered all friendly troops to seek shelter and then called for artillery fire within one hundred yards of friendly positions. His own position was so exposed that flying shrapnel tore his jacket, but he gallantly continued to direct devastating artillery fire upon the enemy and succeeded in completely breaking their resistance. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain McLaughlin, 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.