The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Robert H. Sallee, Jr. (ASN: 15055222), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Company K, *** Infantry Regiment, 88th Infantry Division. On 8 July 1944, Company K was attacking the enemy on the high ground in the vicinity of *****, Italy. Accurate fire from an enemy machine gun, located at the top of the hill, halted their advance, inflicted thirty casualties, and so disorganized the company that the company commander ordered the men to withdraw in order to reorganize. Technical Sergeant Sallee and two men volunteered to remain behind and attempt to knock out the enemy machine gun nest. As the company withdrew, the enemy directed the machine gun fire upon the three men. With utter disregard for his own life, and ignoring the deadly fire which converged on him as he advanced, Technical Sergeant Sallee crawled up the hill to the flank of the machine gun emplacement. He killed the two enemy soldiers manning this machine gun position with well aimed shots form his M-1 Rifle before his two comrades reached his position. The three men then attacked the enemy riflemen protecting the machine gun nest, who became so demoralized at this display of reckless courage that all nine of them surrendered. Technical Sergeant Sallee sent the prisoner back to our lines with the two men, while he remained behind to insure the safety of the company, which was now advancing up the hill. This heroic act by Technical Sergeant Sallee permitted the company to capture its objective without sustaining further casualties. The unflinching courage, determined aggressiveness, and magnificent devotion to duty displayed by Technical Sergeant Sallee was an inspiration and example to the entire company. His action reflects great credit on himself, and is in keeping with the most glorious traditions of the Armed Forces.