Private First Class Robert J. Matthews

U.S. Army, 104th (Timberwold) Infantry Division

Germany, World War II

February 24 1945

Private First Class Robert J. Matthews was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action with Company L, 413th Infantry in Germany on February 24, 1945.

When his platoon was pinned down in the open by enemy machine guns with superior fire power, Matthews immediately put his light machine into action. At one point he voluntarily rushed twenty yards into the face of the enemy to gain a better position in order to cover the withdrawal of his comrades while the enemy concentrated to knock him out.

His gallant action exemplifies the finest traditions of the American combat soldier.