The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Robert L. Foster (ASN: 32227069), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company C, 31st Tank Battalion, 7th Armored Division, in action in the area of Hotton, Belgium, on 21 December 1944. When strong enemy attack threatened our control of the vital Hotton bridge over the Ourthe River, Sergeant Foster unhesitatingly moved his tank from an Ordnance depot to a position in defense of the threatened sector. During repeated hostile assault Sergeant Foster brought effective fire to bear on all enemy armor, knocking out one tank and aiding in the destruction of at least two more. On one occasion a German vehicle was hit, even thought it was possible to fire on it only through an opening two feet wide between two buildings. By his courageous action Sergeant Foster played an important part in beating back the German forces and preventing them from endangering our positions in the entire MarchŽ area. His gallantry and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 7th Armored Division, and the United States Army.