The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to 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 ****, France, during the period 16 to 19 August 1944. Throughout this period, Colonel Ellsworth, Executive Officer, Division Artillery Regiment, acted as artillery officer for a task force composed of the *** Combat Team and attached units. On 16 August he accompanied advance elements of an armored force in order to obtain timely and accurate information which he relayed, with recommendations, to the Commanding General of the Task Force, and which made possible the expeditious action of all supporting arms. His quick and decisive coordination of artillery fire from his forward position that afternoon made possible proper artillery support in the first day’s operation. On the morning of 17 August he accompanied and personally directed reconnaissance in force for advanced artillery locations in areas not yet cleared of the enemy. This show of force, and fire from the reconnaissance platoon and three accompanying tank destroyers, contributed to the voluntary surrender of some fifty enemy soldiers in that area. On 18 August he directed and supervised installation of forward observation posts overlooking the **** River, and within five hundred yards of the enemy, Colonel Ellsworth personally visited these observation posts which were subjected to enemy fire of all types, in order to insure efficient functioning. Through his devotion to duty without regard for personal safety, Colonel Ellsworth contributed materially to the success of the Task Force in this operation. 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.

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.