Robert E. Champion

1st Lieutenant, U. S. Army

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Headquarters, 42d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 16 (March 20, 1945)
CITATION:
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 E. Champion (ASN: 0-1326380), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 242d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division.
On 5 January 1945, at Stattmatten, France, Lieutenant Champion was ordered by his company commander to blow up a bridge which was a direct approach to his company's positions. Advancing under heavy fire and in full view of the enemy with utter disregard for his personal safety, Lieutenant Champion set the explosives in place. When the first attempt did not succeed in blowing up the bridge, Lieutenant Champion again went forward under heavy enemy fire, replaced the explosives, and blew up the bridge.
Lieutenant Champion also displayed great courage and leadership in directing the fire of his platoon in the face of extremely heavy enemy automatic and mortar fire. He was later reported missing in action.

GENERAL ORDERS:
CITATION:
Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Robert E. Champion (ASN: 0-1326380), United States Army, was captured by the Germans on 5 January 1945 and was interned as a Prisoner of War at Stalag 13B until his release at the end of the war.