The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Robert C. Spiker (ASN: 0-447049), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 2 October 1944, in Germany. Captain Spiker was serving as Company Commander with an Infantry Battalion engaged in an assault on the Siegfried Line. During the attack, when elements of his company encountered difficulties, being pinned down by concentrated fire from an enemy pillbox, Captain Spiker voluntarily took a squad and led a vigorous assault on the pillbox, succeeding in destroying it and enabling his men to continue their attack. Inspired by his actions, the company followed Captain Spiker through enemy fire, charged, surrounded, and neutralized all opposition which they encountered. The contribution made by Captain Spiker was a large factor in assuring the success of the battalion’s operation. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Spiker, 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.