The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Robert H. Wardell (ASN: 0-551903), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Company C, 276th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division, on 5 January 1945, near Wingen, France. Assigned the dangerous mission of taking a fortified enemy machine gun position, Lieutenant Waddell maneuvered his platoon into attack, only to be thrown back by heavy machine gun fire. Utterly disregarding his own safety, Lieutenant Wardell bravely moved alone to within ten feet of the enemy emplacement and while attempting to knock out the position with hand grenades, was mortally wounded by machine gun fire. His gallant action by diverting the enemy fire, permitted the platoon to advance and take the enemy position. His sacrifice reflects the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.