Private First Class Robert J. McDonald, Infantry, Company E, 414th Infantry, United States Army, is awarded the Silver Star Medal for gallantry in action in Germany on 16 April 1945. As his company advanced on the objective, it encountered grazing fire which pinned the company to the ground and scattered some elements. After lying on the ground for over two hours, Private McDonald, learning that the assault platoon had been cut off, moved through the murderous enemy fire, continuously exposing himself to draw the enemy's fire and discovered their positions. He then poured devastating fire on the enemy, under cover of which the besieged platoon was able to escape. The bravery and intense devotion to duty displayed by Private McDonald are in keeping with finest traditions of the American combat soldier. Entered military service from Columbus, Ohio.