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 D. Harper (ASN: 0-12923336), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 503d Parachute Infantry Regiment (Separate), in action against the enemy at Batangas, Luzon, Philippine Islands, from 17 January 1945 to 19 January 1945. First Lieutenant Harper volunteered to lead a reconnaissance patrol through enemy-held terrain to collect information of enemy dispositions around Balayan Bay, Luzon. Previous intelligence reports indicated the presence of enemy patrols on land and sea, with 12,000 enemy troops stationed nearby. He and his group successfully landed on the night of 17 January 1945, and established contact with a local guerrilla leader. The next night First Lieutenant Harper, after obtaining vital information, attempted to rendezvous with a friendly boat at sea. The proximity of enemy patrols and a high surf defeated this escape attempt. The following day he obtained a small native boat and courageously sailed out into the open sea hoping to avoid detection. Friendly air activity established a protective cover and the boat completed its hazardous mission after covering forty miles of open sea. The information which First Lieutenant Harper obtained at great risk to his life was invaluable in planning the Batangas operation. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Harper, 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.