The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Infantry), [then Captain] Robert J. Bee, Jr. (ASN: 0-1296979), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 26 November 1944 in France. During an attack near St. Avold, France, on 26 November 1944, the evacuation of casualties over the rough terrain forced the employment of a long bitter haul. Captain Bee, commanding a heavy weapons company, organized on his own initiative, carrying teams which he led into the open fields, despite heavy enemy fire, to evacuate all of the wounded throughout a seven hour period. Captain Bee’s courage, initiative, and inspirational leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.