The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Robert L. Hearn (ASN: 0-1822141), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 610th Tank Destroyer Battalion, 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 24 December 1944 in Luxembourg. On that date, during an attack against Neiderfeulen, Luxembourg, Lieutenant Hearn, a tank destroyer platoon leader, and a companion observed a well emplaced enemy machine gun, the fire of which delayed the advance of the infantry. Realizing that if he opened fire with his tank destroyers he would disclose to other direct fire weapons his own position as well as the location of the infantry, Lieutenant Hearn and his companion, armed with rifles and grenades, advanced by fire and movement despite severe hostile fire until they were able to hurl hand grenades into the emplacement and destroy the enemy gun and crew. Lieutenant Hearn’s courage, initiative, and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.