The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Robert W. Koehler (ASN: 36840477), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 6 April 1945, at ****, Germany. During a patrol across the Rhine River into the town of ****, Germany, the patrol ran into heavy, almost fanatical, resistance. Private Koehler, heedless of the danger involved, crawled forward and knocked out a strongly defended enemy position, killing two of the enemy and forcing the others to flee. For one hour he held the position alone, manning one of the enemy machine guns and repelling each attempt to infiltrate our lines. Private Koehler’s conspicuous bravery, loyalty and devotion to duty contributed materially to the success of the operation and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Airborne Forces.