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 S. McDuffie (ASN: 31431794), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 254th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 16 March 1945, in the vicinity of Ensheim, Germany. During the initial assault on the Siegfried Line, Private First Class McDuffie, on his own initiative, courageously advanced up hill under a hail of small arms and machine gun fire in order to silence a pillbox that was holding up the advance of the company. When near his objective, Private First Class McDuffie was mortally wounded. The magnificent courage and outstanding gallantry under fire of Private First Class McDuffie reflect the highest credit upon himself and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.