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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Robert L. Richter (ASN: 0-1286895), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 7 February, 1945. During the concentrated enemy shelling of a regimental command post in and around the Malacanan Palace just prior to the crossing of the Pasig River, one of Lieutenant Richter’s men was seriously wounded by shell fragments. Disregarding the intense mortar barrage, Lieutenant Richter left his foxhole, crawled twenty yards to the stricken man. There he administered first aid and, while dragging the casualty to cover, was mortally wounded by a shell burst close by. 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.