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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) James Lossy Robinson (ASN: 0-1296583), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action in Sicily in July 1943. Lieutenant Robinson brilliantly led his men in an attack on a strategic enemy hill. Despite enemy artillery, machine gun, and sniper fire, he pressed on until he had attained his objective and captured a number of the enemy. 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, his unit, and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    16th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    June 6, 1944
    Headquarters, FIRST U.S. Army, General Orders No. 78 (November 11, 1944)

    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 (Infantry) James L. Robinson (ASN: 0-1296583), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Normandy, France, on 6 June 1944. On D-Day, First Lieutenant Robinson assumed immediate control of his company, after his commanding officer was wounded, and moved up and down the fire-swept beach to reorganize the unit for an attack. Advancing forward, the company was pinned down by heavy machine gun and rifle fire from a concrete pillbox. First Lieutenant Robinson, displaying superb courage, crawled through a dens minefield to a point 100 yards from the emplacement and engaged it single-handedly with his rifle. Under his diversion, his men approached the hostile position from the flanks. While personally leading his company in an assault upon the pillbox, First Lieutenant Robinson was mortally wounded by sniper fire. The personal bravery, tenacity of purpose and inspiring leadership displayed by First Lieutenant Robinson are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.