Robert L. Presser

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Robert L. Presser, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company K, 104th Infantry Regiment, 26th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 27 December 1944, in Luxembourg. On the night of 27 December, one of Private Presser’s fellow soldiers was shot in the chest after nine members on patrol crossed the Sure River in Luxembourg. Private Presser carried him back to the river, but discovered that his unit’s assault boats had been destroyed. Without hesitation he plunged into the icy, sleet-whipped river, towing his wounded comrade, and battled his way under enemy fire to the friendly shore. Private Presser’s intrepid actions, outstanding heroism and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 26th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.