The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Robert M. Werne (ASN: 35259884), United States Army, for gallantry in action, on 15 December 1943, near Mignano, Italy. During an attack on enemy mountain positions, Private First Class Werne, accompanying his first sergeant, preceded the assault elements of his unit to investigate a suspected enemy occupied dugout. Approaching the cave, the two men noticed a German officer emerging with pistol in hand. Private First Class Werne shot and fatally wounded the officer. He then rapidly moved into the cave and captured another German. Having a knowledge of the German language, Private First Class Werne demanded from his prisoner the locations of the remaining enemy positions. Obtaining this information, he returned to his unit and pointed out other hostile positions, to enable his unit to attain its objective without loss of life and to capture fifteen of the enemy. The courage and fortitude displayed by Private First Class Werne set an inspiring example for the men of his organization.