The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Robert J. O’Brien (ASN: 32589568), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the *** Field Artillery Battalion, 80th Infantry Battalion, XII Corps, in action against an armed enemy on 8 January 1945, in Luxembourg. At 0530 hours Corporal O’Brien accompanied Lieutenant Zachman to an Observation Post. As they neared the OP, the enemy launched a counter-attack and, in order to reach the OP, Corporal O’Brien was forced to cross an open field for about 50 yards under heavy enemy machine gun fire. This he successfully accomplished in spite of the radio packet he was carrying. Once in the OP and while Lieutenant Zachman called for and adjusted artillery fire that fell on the enemy within 25 yards of the OP building, Corporal O’Brien assisted the officer in observing the fire and in the relaying of fire sensings by radio, in spite of the proximity of friendly shells and the attacking enemy, until the counterattack was repulsed. Throughout the operation, he displayed great coolness and courage, which reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.