The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Field Artillery) Robert Augustus Ellsworth (ASN: 0-15780), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of ****, Normandy, France, 15 July 1944. In the attack on Hill Number 122 during the operations against ****, Colonel Ellsworth, Executive Officer, Division Artillery, planned and supervised the fire of *** Artillery Battalions. His unique plan provided for a close rolling barrage with fire registered in the middle of the zone of attack, the initial barrage line being actually shot in by the forward observers with the leading company commander. The fire was varied high explosive, smoke and time fire, with the lifts of two hundred yards on call, to provide proper overlap, and to keep the mass of fire on the most strategic point in front of the infantry. The original plan for a variant rate of fire effected a conservation of ammunition, without detracting from its effectiveness. The entire mission of the artillery was accomplished in the most effective manner, with the minimum expenditure of ammunition and without infliction of casualties upon the infantry so closely supported. After-action observation revealed the marked effect of the artillery fire during the action. Numerous enemy positions were destroyed and casualties inflicted. During the supervision of the fire, Colonel Ellsworth was exposed on many occasions to enemy sniper and mortar fire while visiting forward command posts and installations of the infantry. Under his supervision and coordination, this plan was successfully executed. The initiative, tactical acumen and resourcefulness displayed by Colonel Ellsworth in this operation, provided for the best possible support of the attacking infantry in the accomplishment of its mission, and exemplified such gallantry in action and leadership in battle as to inspire and win the admiration of all commanders in the field during the action. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Ellsworth, 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.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Colonel (Field Artillery) Robert Augustus Ellsworth (ASN: 0-15780), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Executive Officer, Division Artillery, 35th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the European Theater of Operations, in 1944 and 1945. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Ellsworth, 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.