The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Robert S. Holloman (ASN: 0-1317170), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 2 and 3 March 1945. During an assault on a heavily fortified building in Manila, the enemy displayed a white flag indicating a wish to surrender. Ordering the men to be extremely alert, Lieutenant Holloman deployed his platoon so as to cover all available exits. After two Japanese had emerged from the building, the enemy treacherously opened fire from both floors. Lieutenant Holloman quickly ordered a smoke barrage to cover the regrouping of his platoon, and continually exposed himself to the enemy’s intense machine gun fire to direct the maneuver of his men into the best tactical and covered positions. Several hours later Lieutenant Holloman boldly led a determined assault on the enemy’s position and succeeded in forcing an entrance into the building where he personally killed a Japanese officer and three men. Lieutenant Holloman’s cool fearlessness and bold leadership were of decisive importance in the successful overwhelming of this well-fortified strongpoint. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.