The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Robert A. Klase (ASN: 37468688), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 31 January 1945. Sergeant Klase, a leader of a 60-mm. mortar squad, displayed outstanding courage and efficiency as a front line mortar observer by adjusting extremely accurate fire on enemy positions while exposed to intense hostile fire. Then, when the communication line to his squad was severed, he utilized an abandoned enemy grenade discharger to kill five and wound several retreating enemy. Finally, after having exhausted the available supply of ammunition for the weapon, he started to return from his advanced post, when he observed a wounded man lying in an exposed position. Despite heavy enemy fire, Sergeant Klase rushed to his injured comrade, applied effective first aid, and called several men, who assisted him in successfully evacuating the casualty. Later, Sergeant Klase was mortally wounded while advancing with a front line rifle platoon. 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 pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Robert A. Klase (ASN: 37468688), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 14 February 1944. Private Klase helped save a wounded comrade from falling into the hands of the enemy. He crawled and ran seventy-five yards through enemy fire and over rugged terrain to reach the casualty and drag him from an exposed position. Sniper fire drove the rescues with their helpless casualty into a river, where the swift current swept them downstream for fifty yards before they could escape and carry the wounded man to safety. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private Klase, 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.