The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Robert J. Haessly (ASN: 6828095), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving with the 22d Material Squadron, VII Bomber Command, SEVENTH Air Force, during the Japanese air attack on the Island of Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, on 7 December 1941. With disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant Haessly volunteered to man a .50 caliber machine gun whose crew had been killed and the gun itself damaged. Sergeant Haessly succeeded in putting the gun back in action and continued to operate the gun against enemy aircraft. The bravery, coolness and good judgment displayed by Sergeant Haessly on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.