The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant [then Private First Class] Robert K. Cooper (ASN: 36396928), United States Army, for gallantry in action on **** 1943, about five miles from ****, Italy. Sergeant Cooper, Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, together with three other soldiers, held an isolated and exposed flank position through thirty-six hours of small arms, mortar and artillery fire, and turned back constant enemy attempts at infiltration, thereby rendering material aid to the successful accomplishment of the unit mission. 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 and the United States Army.