The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Robert E. Cassady (ASN: 36481128), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Company B, 143d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 29 November 1944, in France. Company B, in which Sergeant Cassady was a squad leader, was advancing abreast of another rifle company in an attack against stubbornly defended enemy positions. Sergeant Cassady noticed a widening gap between his company and the adjoining unit. In order to maintain contact, he swiftly maneuvered his squad to the left. Courageously moving beyond his men, he pressed forward to scout the enemy-infested area. Entering a thicket, he located a well concealed machine gun and observed the six-man crew preparing to deliver flanking fire on the unsuspecting friendly troops. Sergeant Cassady immediately opened fire on the machine gun nest and killed the gunner with an accurate shot. The other five soldiers, startled by the suddenness of his action, surrendered. By his daring initiative and fearlessness, he prevented the enemy from inflicting heavy casualties on the assault company adjoining his own unit and dispelled a serious threat to the entire battalion effort. Sergeant Cassady was killed in action during a subsequent engagement. 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, his unit, and the United States Army.