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 Private First Class Robert Whittle (ASN: 20251826), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 27th Infantry Division at Saipan, Mariana Islands, during the period 17 June to 3 July 1944. On numerous occasions during the campaign, Private First Class Whittle without regard for his own safety, volunteered and accomplished many missions that were instrumental in the successful advance of his company. On one occasion, as part of a volunteer group, Private First Class Whittle went forward under intense enemy fire and helped evacuate casualties of another battalion, saving many lives that might otherwise have been lost. On another occasion, when heavy enemy fire pinned down his company, he ran across completely open ground, and with his bazooka, helped to knock out an enemy heavy machine gun. He was killed on 3 July 1944 trying to lead a small group of men to effective firing positions when his company was caught in a vicious enemy machine gun crossfire.