The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Robert Ernest Frankland, Sr. (ASN: 0-277098), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 2 October 1944, in Germany. Lieutenant Colonel Frankland’s battalion was given the mission of attacking the Siegfried Line and effecting a break-through in order that our forces could penetrate into Germany. In the initial assault and throughout the entire action on 2 October 1944, Lieutenant Colonel Frankland was with his front line troops. Unmindful of the hazards involved, he personally directed and coordinated the attack of his battalion, storming pillbox after pillbox until a break-through was effected. His personal bravery inspired his men to their maximum efforts and the difficult mission was climaxed. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Frankland, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Robert Ernest Frankland, Sr. (ASN: 0-277098), United States Army, for gallantry in action against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 7 August 1944, in France. When the battalion which Lieutenant Colonel Frankland commanded was advancing, elements of his command were suddenly pinned down by fire from a dug-in tank, supported by machine gun and automatic weapons fire. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, he immediately went to the forward elements of his battalion and personally directed their withdrawal. Without regard for his personal safety, Lieutenant Colonel Frankland, in an upright position and in full view of the enemy, remained forward until the last man was safely back. The then reorganized the battalion and personally led a flanking attack which reduced the enemy position with only light losses to his troops. By his heroic action, Lieutenant Colonel Frankland not only saved his command from a possible rout and heavy casualties, but successfully completed the mission assigned his battalion and inspired his men with battle confidence which welded them into a veteran fighting unit. The outstanding leadership, skill, and courage shown by Lieutenant Colonel Frankland reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.