The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Robert S. Hastigan (ASN: 39723377), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Company A, 49th Armored Infantry Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany from 2 April to 7 April 1945. When his company was surrounded and cut off, Private Hastigan volunteered to go on patrol through the enemy lines to contact and guide reinforcements. Later he volunteered to serve with a scout group for a task force. The group captured crews of two guns, permitting the uninterrupted advance of the column. Later the same day Private Hastigan volunteered to serve with another scout group. Their mission was to determine the strength and disposition of enemy forces. During this mission, Private Hastigan was seriously wounded. His disregard for personal safety and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.