The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Robert S. Beightler (ASN: 0-173673), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility. General Beightler commanded the 37th Infantry Division in combat against Japanese forces at New Georgia, Solomon Islands, from 23 July to 8 August 1943. He assumed command when the major elements of his Division were already engaged with the enemy, and with conspicuous energy and foresight effected their reorganization, re-groupment, and revitalization. Under his inspiring leadership the attack was resumed and despite a well-organized defense by a determined enemy the Division’s assigned objective was captured in a minimum of time. General Beightler’s repeated presence with the forward elements of his Division during combat was largely responsible for the high morale of his command and its forward drive over extremely difficult terrain. He contributed in great measure to the success of the entire action. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Beightler reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Army Distinguished Service Medal
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Service Cross
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Major GeneralDivision:
37th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
October 1 – December 15, 1943
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” (Navy Award) to Major General Robert S. Beightler (ASN: 0-173673), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as the Commanding General, 37th Infantry Division, U.S. Army, during the period from 1 October to 15 December 1943. General Beightler, by his outstanding professional attainments, his sound judgment and inspiring leadership of the 37th Division during its movement from Guadalcanal to Empress Augusta Bay, and during the occupation and organization of its sector on the beachhead lines, contributed materially to the success of the operations conducted by the FIRST Marine Amphibious Corps, which resulted in the establishment of a beachhead at Empress Augusta Bay on the enemy stronghold of Bougainville in the Solomon Islands. (Major General Beightler is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Army Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Major GeneralDivision:
37th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
December 1943 – June 1944
War Department, General Orders No. 106 (September 20, 1946)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 Army Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Robert S. Beightler (ASN: 0-173673), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Commanding General of the 37th infantry Division, at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, during the period from December 1943 to June 1944. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Beightler reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Major GeneralDivision:
37th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
March 17, 1944
Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the South Pacific Area, General Orders No. 535 (1944)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major General Robert Sprague Beightler (ASN: 0-173673), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding General of the 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 17 March 1944. As an Infantry Division Commander, Major General Beightler personally participated in a counterattack and assisted in killing several Japanese after the enemy had penetrated a part of his division sector. His courageous leadership inspired the effective spirit and combat aggressiveness of his Division. The bravery, aggressive determination, and exemplary leadership exhibited by Major General Beightler reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.
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Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Major GeneralDivision:
37th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
January 28 – February 7, 1945
Headquarters, U.S. Forces-Pacific, General Orders No. 141 (August 29, 1945)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Major General Robert Sprague Beightler (ASN: 0-173673), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding General of the 37th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces from 28 January 1945 to 7 February 1945 at Luzon, Philippine Islands. On 28 January, General Beightler, commanding his Infantry Division, was charged with taking a series of hills held by the enemy. To obtain effective observation for directing his attack, he took a position with his forward elements on top of a hill exposed to enemy machine gun and small arms fire from other hills nearby. Though artillery shells twice burst within fifty yards of him, he remained on the hilltop, directing the employment of his troops and weapons with maximum effect, until enemy resistance was reduced and the objectives were taken. On 7 February, during the first crossing of the Pasig River in Manila, he again placed himself with his forward units and, under intense enemy artillery and mortar fire, calmly directed the attack of his infantry elements. Inspired by his presence, his forces pressed the attack and accomplished their mission with noteworthy success. General Beightler’s gallant leadership and constant visits to his front line troops under enemy fire to direct their employment have been a source of inspiration to his division. Major General Beightler’s extraordinary heroism, gallant leadership, and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 37th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.