Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Major

Awarded on:

March 22nd, 1945

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel

Unit:

Public Relations Team, Headquarters, 1st Airborne Division, British Army

Awarded on:

January 16th, 1948

Awarded for:

Operation Market Garden

"By direction of the President, under the provision of AR 600-45, 22 September 1943, as amended, the Silver Star is awarded to:

Major R. W. R. Oliver, British Army, for gallantry in action from 17 September 1944 to 26 September 1944. Major Oliver was in command of the group of correspondents assigned to cover the activities of the First Airborne Division (British) in the airborne invasion of Holland. He enabled the correspondents to radio their stories to the outside world and, in addition, he made the wireless sets available for operational military messages, since all other sets were rendered useless in the landings. During this time, the party was under considerable enemy fire and Major Oliver was wounded. In the withdrawal to, and crossing of, the Rhine, he was again wounded and lost his boat, necessitating his swimming the remaining distance, carrying film negatives, still photographs, and radio discs of the operation. His coolness under fire and marked devotion to duty are highly exemplary."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)