Silver Star, “R.A. McCauley/81st Div”, Peleliu

Silver Star, split brooch, numbered “4133”, machine-engraved “R.A. McCauley/81st Div”. (The pin has been removed from the brooch for framing and there is adhesive residue along the top of the ribbon on the reverse.) With copied service data.

First Lieutenant (then Staff Sergeant) Robert A. McCauley 306th Engineer Combat Battalion, was cited in 81st Infantry Division GO #132 (23 December 1944) for “gallantry in action on Peleliu Island, Palau Group, 2 November 1944. As an infantry unit moved through a ravine to close in on enemy strongpoints, heavy fire was received from caves located in surrounding ridges. Notwithstanding the enemy fire directed at him, Sergeant McCauley climbed a cliff above one of the caves from which location he lowered an explosive charge attached to a rope into the cave but the enemy cut the rope before the charge was detonated. Sergeant McCauley persisted in his efforts until he succeeded in setting off a charge in the entrance to the cave, completely neutralizing the position. By reason of his outstanding soldierly qualities of courage and tenacity he materially aided the infantry unit in accomplishing its mission.”