Robert M. Horan

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Robert M. Horan (0-27704), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 17 October 1950, Lieutenant Horan volunteered to lead a motorized patrol from Ch’up’ungnyong-ni, Korea to investigate a report that another company of the regiment was engaged in an intense fire fight with an estimated enemy force of three hundred men, and to render assistance to the besieged company or request any additional support required. En route, at Tommak-tong, Korea, Lieutenant Horan’s patrol engaged the enemy, inflicted considerable casualties, and captured two of the enemy. When the enemy had been routed, Lieutenant Horan personally led his patrol in pursuit. Although in this gallant action, undertaken without regard for his personal safety, Lieutenant Horan was mortally wounded by the enemy, his aggressive leadership inspired his men to complete their pursuit and destruction of the enemy. Lieutenant Horan’s outstanding initiative and heroism on this occasion are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.