Robert L. Sickler

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Robert L. Sickler (ASN: 0-1317113), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 1 October 1944 at ****, Holland. Second Lieutenant Sickler, a platoon leader with Company D, 2d Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, conducted the defense of his platoon position in his company sector with such courage and intrepidity that his platoon held its position and beat back a fierce enemy attack. German forces, estimated at one battalion of infantry reinforced by medium tanks and armored personnel carriers, attacked the 2d Battalion MLR under an extremely heavy artillery barrage. Second Lieutenant Sickler’s orders were to defend in place. When the left flank of his platoon position became exposed and enemy began to infiltrate to the rear of Company D, Second Lieutenant Sickler led a small group which succeeded in covering the exposed flank and blocking further attempts by the enemy to penetrate this position. Under heavy artillery and automatic weapons fire, he moved continually about this exposed area attempting to spot small parties of the enemy who were infiltrating to the rear. At all times during the attack, Second Lieutenant Sickler acted with such aggressiveness and showed a great determination to defend his position against attack from any direction. His courageous and intensive efforts enabled his platoon to repel the enemy attack and contributed a vital service in the defense of the 2d Battalion MLR. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.