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 W. Rider (ASN: 19170404), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Battery A, 227th Anti-Aircraft Battalion (Searchlight), 94th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Group, in action at Hollandia, Dutch New Guinea, on 18 May 1944. Private First Class Rider was a member of a searchlight unit stationed outside the defensive perimeter. The unit was subjected to continual sniping by enemy individuals and small groups. Realizing the need for local security measures, he volunteered to go on patrol. With one other soldier he began his reconnaissance and quickly located the tracks of a group of enemy. Disregarding the possibility of ambush, he followed the tracks about 800 yards, at which point he came upon five enemy. He called to them to surrender, but when one of the enemy started to raise a rifle he killed four with his submachine gun. The remaining man escaped, although Private Rider pursued him. This entire heroic action, involving great personal dangers, was voluntarily assumed by him as an action above and beyond the call of duty. Private First Class Rider’s gallant actions and selfless devotion to duty, without regard for his own safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.