Robert B. Acheson

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Robert B. Acheson (0-303279), Major, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 17 September 1943, about one mile east of Paestum, Italy. Major Acheson was assigned the mission of delivering five quarter-ton truckloads of ammunition to a battalion that was surrounded by enemy forces. At the La Cosa creek, the trucks were unable to proceed because of heavy enemy rifle, mortar, and artillery fire, With complete disregard to his own safety, Major Acheson then voluntarily proceeded alone across the valley to the encircled battalion. While crossing the valley, Major Acheson came upon a group of riflemen who were pinned down by enemy fire. He reorganized and directed their force so effectively that they cleared the opposition from the slope. Although he was wounded in the chest and sustained severe shell fragment wounds in the right arm, which later required amputation, Major Acheson completed his assigned mission before accepting medical attention. Major Acheson’s intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 82d Airborne Division, and the United States Army.