(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Staff Sergeant] Robert S. Saldin (ASN: 39601703), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 161st Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at San Manuel, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 27 and 28 January 1945. First Lieutenant Saldin’s platoon was reduced by casualties to nine men, and when the platoon leader was killed, he assumed command. Together with another badly-shot up platoon, he was ordered to hold a defensive line at all costs. Disregarding heavy enemy fire, he recovered an abandoned machine gun and got it into operation. He then selected defensive positions for the mine men, showing complete disregard for his own safety. At midnight the enemy attacked with the small force with 20 tanks and more than 100 Japanese infantry troops. In the moonlight First Lieutenant Saldin saw the attack was aimed at the platoon on his right flank. Although his own depleted platoon was holding a 40-yard front, he shifted his fire to support the menaced platoon to his right, turning machine gun fire against the approaching enemy. The first attack was beaten back and then two waved of three tanks each smashed at the platoon to his left, and First Lieutenant Saldin shifted his fire to support these men. One of the tanks broke into the position, overrunning two foxholes and crushing the occupants to death before it was destroyed. Throughout the night, First Lieutenant Saldin made frequent trips through areas subjected to heavy enemy fire to obtain more ammunition. First Lieutenant’s platoon resisted repeated attacks of the enemy, outnumbered and under fire from more than a dozen enemy tanks, eight machine guns, four field pieces, and scores of enemy infantry. The successful defense of his sector under his intelligent leadership was a decisive factor in the securing of San Manuel. First Lieutenant Saldin’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.