The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade [then Private First Class] Robert N. Patterson (ASN: 35277402), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 111th Engineer Combat Battalion, 36th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 14 December 1944, in France. Company A was given the mission of defending a sector of the line on an important hill, and Private First Class Patterson was assigned as a gunner in a machine gun squad. At dawn the enemy launched a strong counterattack and succeeded in penetrating a section of the line. Although his position was subjected to both frontal and flanking fire, Private First Class Patterson remained determinedly in position, delivering accurate fire into the midst of the attackers. A squad of 12 Germans assaulted his gun emplacement, and one of the soldiers hurled a grenade into the position. Although stunned by the concussion, Private First Class Patterson killed or wounded all the squad members with his effective fire. Throughout the day he maintained his position and, by his determination and aggressiveness, drove back a series of enemy attacks until the engineers were relieved by infantry troops. 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.