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. Cervantes, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 142d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 30 January 1944 in the vicinity of *****. When his platoon was pinned down by the machine gun fire from an enemy house which it was attacking, Private First Class Cervantes caught the enemy by surprise by suddenly jumping up and rushing the emplacement single-handedly. Daringly drawing hostile fire by his heroic act, he maintained his violent assault while his comrades were able to move from their positions and support the attack. Private First Class Cervantes was fatally wounded in the fire fight which ensured, but his outstanding aggressiveness and magnificent courage inspired the destruction of the enemy nest and the capture of twenty prisoners. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Cervantes, 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.