The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Field Artillery) Robert E. Thurston (ASN: 0-341428), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 314th Field Artillery Battalion, 80th Infantry Division, in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 13 March 1945 in Germany. At Zerf, Germany, to get wire communications to the infantry, Captain Thurston, battalion communications officer, elected to personally supervise the location and installation of a vital wire head, using a road under direct enemy observation and fire. This communication proved invaluable in transmitting urgent fire missions and important information to higher headquarters. Captain Thurston’s bravery, heroic determination, and sincere 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.