The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Robert H. McKinley, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company I, 386th Infantry Regiment, 97th Infantry Division, in action on 10 April 1945, in Germany. In an attack on Hulscheid, Germany, heavy enemy artillery and small arms fires temporarily checked the advance of a rifle company. Sensing the need for aggressive action in pressing the attack, Private McKinley left his position and fearlessly advanced alone over exposed ground firing his light machine gun from his hip. During his advance Private McKinley was wounded in his left arm and shoulder by shell fragments but continued to move forward until he reached the enemy objective. The troops who witnessed this display of superb courage were inspired in such a degree that the enemy position was soon overrun. Private McKinley’s gallantry on this occasion reflects high credit upon himself and the Armed Forces.