Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    254th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    63d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    April 2, 1945

    Headquarters, 63d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 596 (August 27, 1945)

    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 L. Hattman (ASN: 33420686), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 254th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 2 April 1945, in the vicinity of Tiefenbach, Germany. During the initial attack on the town, the platoon encountered heavy fire from carefully prepared enemy positions, which were manned by approximately eighty SS troops. Private First Class Hattman, the lead man of his squad, although the other squads were stopped by the intense machine gun fire, he continued to advance. Although wounded and with unfailing courage, he kept moving toward the enemy. When within twenty-five yards of the enemy machine gun he assaulted it, firing a full clip of ammunition, killing one enemy and wounding two others. He died from the wounds received in his brave assault before medical aid could reach him. The gallantry and devotion to duty displayed by Private First Class Hattman reflect the highest credit upon himself and upon the Armed Forces of the United States.