Vincent D. Robel

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Vincent D. Robel (19112135), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 274th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division, on 25 February 1945. When his company withdrew under pressure of a strong night counterattack on Spicheren Heights, France, Sergeant Robel, with his first gunner, remained with his light machinegun to cover the withdrawal. Although he was killed during the action, Sergeant Robel’s effective handling of the gun was the deciding factor in repelling the enemy attack and enabling his company to regain its position. He gallant sacrifice exemplifies the highest standards of courage in the Armed Forces of the United States.