The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Robert H. Naugle, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the FIFTH Army, in action on 12 February 1944, near St. Elia, Italy. During an intense enemy artillery barrage, consisting of high explosives and smoke shells, a fire was started in a battery ammunition pit. The resulting blaze illuminated the entire battery position. Staff Sergeant Naugle immediately rushed 400 yards through heavy shelling to the fire and attempted to extinguish the blaze. Using his jacket at protection from the flames, he pulled from the dump many powder cases and succeeded in smothering the fire. He then went to his fox hole. The fire flared up again, and once more Staff Sergeant Naugle left his place of safety and fought the fire until it was under control. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.