The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Robert L. Pensa (ASN: 32651201), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Acting Section Sergeant in Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 20th Armored Infantry Battalion, 10th Armored Division, at Fussen, Germany, on 29 April 1945. Braving fierce enemy fire, Corporal Pensa personally reconnoitered a possible route through hostile territory and then courageously led a task force through dangerous enemy positions to capture two strategically important bridges. His gallant achievement reflects great credit upon himself and the military forces of the United States.