(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Robert C. Hess, Jr. (ASN: 0-448054), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the European Theater of Operations in 1944. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry) Robert C. Hess, Jr. (ASN: 0-448054), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, 3d Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Stiege, Germany, on 19 April 1945. Despite an intense machine gun and small arms barrage from well-concealed enemy emplacements, Captain Hess, with utter disregard for personal safety, courageously moved about the perilous terrain to an exposed vantage point. He then conducted a reconnaissance mission and returned with much valuable information regarding hostile emplacement, thereby aiding immeasurably in his organization’s seizure of an important objective. In the performance of his gallant deeds Captain Hess was mortally wounded. His outstanding initiative and exemplary leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.