The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Robert E. Belknap, Jr. (NSN: 0-76777), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer, U.S.S. SC-770 during the advanced landings in the Anzio-Nettuno area, Italy, January 1944. On the night of 22 January 1944, Lieutenant Belknap, with great efficiency and fearless determination, led the sweeping formations through dangerous enemy minefields and cleared beach approach lanes well inshore for the passage of the assault boat waves. On the following night he led another sweep formation to within one hundred yards of the mole at Anzio, carrying forward his mission in the face of severe enemy gunfire from beach positions. On 24 January 1944, in company with other shallow water minesweeping units, his craft participated in the effective sweeping of a fire support area close to the hostile shore. During this sweep, the formation underwent heavy shelling from enemy shore batteries and a very severe and accurate attack from eight of ten bombers. Several bombers were shot down by the units while they maintained their formation and continued their sweep. His cool and successful accomplishment of all assigned tasks contributed materially to the early establishment and adequate maintenance of the Anzio beachhead. The exceptional courage, cool and deliberate action, and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Belknap were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.