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 C. Kilian (ASN: 20213393), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 27th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Makunsha, Saipan, Mariana Islands, on 6 and 7 July 1944. Corporal Kilian as Radio Operator of a forward observation party, continuously exposed himself to heavy enemy small arms, machine gun and mortar fire, making possible the effective deliverance of artillery fire on areas holding up the infantry advance. When the front line platoons he accompanied were pinned down, Corporal Kilian, with complete disregard for personal safety, ran across open ground under fire, in order to receive messages and sensings and transmit them on the radio. By his outstanding initiative and devotion to duty, Corporal Kilian provided an inspiration to our assault elements and reflected great credit upon himself and the armed forces.