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 Robert F. Hanlon (ASN: 33750646), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action in the **** Sector, Normandy, France, on 30 July 1944. When four gunners were wounded in quick succession at a vital Browning Automatic Rifle position protecting the second platoon from flanking fire, he, together with another soldier, voluntarily and without hesitation went to this exposed position and fired on the enemy until Private Hanlon was killed by a direct hit from an enemy mortar. The intrepid courage and tenacity of purpose on the part of Private Hanlon, who voluntarily assumed a hazardous duty, well knowing the extreme danger involved, pays high tribute to his character as a soldier, and is in accord with the highest traditions of the military service.