(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Robert J. Peagler (ASN: 0-1045552), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Battery Commander with Battery B, 870th Anti-Aircraft Artillery (Automatic Weapons) Battalion (Separate), in action against enemy forces near Tokashiki Shima, Karama Retto, Ryukyu Islands, on 24 June 1945. During his battalion’s first major combat operation, with his platoon in the lead, First Lieutenant Peagler led his men fearlessly against enemy positions. When his company’s machine gun jammed, he charged ahead alone, firing his rifle and throwing grenades, personally capturing an enemy mortar and killing its crew of six Japanese soldiers before he was cut down by a sniper’s bullet. First Lieutenant Peagler’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.