The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Armor) Robert D. Spencer (ASN: 0-239426), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 775th Tank Battalion, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the Philippine Islands, on 1 June 1945. Captain Spencer commanded a section of tanks which was supporting the advance of the infantry along Highway 5 near Santa Fe, when two enemy medium tanks, a field piece, and at least one machine gun suddenly opened fir eon our troops. Captain Spencer was walking behind the lead tank and immediately crawled into a depression at the roadside. Looking around he saw a badly wounded man staggering toward the rear. Captain Spencer immediately left his covered position and assisted the casualty to the rear through the hostile fire for about 80 yards, where he placed him in a vehicle and sent him to an aid station. Returning to the front of the column, Captain Spencer noticed that the fire of our tanks was ineffective. He worked his way through the intense Japanese fire to the lead tank, receiving only a slight wound to his right hand, and then courageously exposing himself in the turret of the tank, he directed effective fire against the enemy positions. Then, when he was informed that the supply of ammunition was running low, he dismounted, and again moved to the rear under the enemy fire in order to bring up another tank platoon with a full load of ammunition. Captain Spencer’s courage and devotion to duty contributed greatly to the success of our forces, and exemplified the finest tradition of the Military Service.