The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) Robert F. Harwick, United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 101st Airborne Division, in the vicinity of Narville, Belgium, on 19 December 1944. Major Harwick returned to his battalion after a short absence. Before the battalion commander could acquaint him with the situation the former was killed., leaving Major Harwick in command. In order to get first hand information he visited each of his companies, issued order for the defense of the town of Neville and prepared to withstand a siege. He was soon cut off from the remainder of the Division without hope of reinforcements. Throughout the night he reorganized a unit grouping remnants of the other detachments into an effective task force. On the following day, ordered to evacuate the town, Major Harwick directed his own troops to man tanks, half-tracks, and other vehicles and smash through the enemy for three miles until he rejoined friendly troops at Bastogne. The breakthrough was so efficiently planned and well-led that despite heavy odds, casualties were few. The ability, leadership, and boundless energy displayed by Major Harwick were an inspiration to his officers and men, and encouraged them to the accomplishment of tasks which could not have otherwise been achieved. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the Army of the United States.