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 Robert L. Egler (ASN: 36745914), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 23d Infantry Divison (Americal) at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 1 October 1944. Leading his squad in an assault against enemy positions that were being bitterly and stubbornly opposed, Sergeant Egler displayed outstanding leadership when the spirit of his men began to waver after suffering heavy casualties. Arming himself with the automatic weapon of one of his men, with words of encouragement, he resumed the advance so aggressively that he and his rejuvenated men were able to break the backbone of enemy resistance and secured the enemy positions while inflicting numerous casualties on the enemy.