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 Staff Sergeant Robert Shaw (ASN: 36164270), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 32d Infantry Division in action near Afua, New Guinea, on 19 July 1944. Sergeant Shaw furnished covering fire for another soldier who was removing a wounded man to safety. It was necessary for the rescuer to carry the wounded soldier over an area exposed to enemy fire. Sergeant Shaw deliberately exposed himself to fire at an enemy machine gun, in an effort to diver the fire of the gun to himself and away from the wounded man and his rescuer. In the exchange of fire Sergeant Shaw was mortally wounded. He gave his life in order to protect his comrades.