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 Corporal Robert E. Veatch (ASN: 32445034), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with 80th Military Police Platoon, 80th Infantry Division, in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 12 and 13 September 1944 in France. As Traffic Policeman at the Moselle River bridgehead, Corporal Veatch engaged a hostile engineer group attempting to destroy the bridge, and alone forced them to retreat. Later, when an enemy machine gun threatened the bridge, he organized a small squad, led an attack, and personally destroyed the position with hand grenades. His courage 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.