SILVER STAR

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL posthumously to

 CORPORAL ROBERT P. MARSDEN

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

For service as set forth in the following

 CITATION:

           For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company K, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 20 January 1971, Corporal Marsden’s squad was pinned down by intense enemy fire from North Vietnamese Army soldiers occupying well-concealed emplacements in a tree line. Observing two wounded Marines fall in dangerous proximity to the enemy positions, Corporal Marsden unhesitatingly left his relative secure location behind a rice paddy dike and, with complete disregard for his own safety, ran across the hazardous terrain to the side of his companions. Using his own body as a shield for his comrades, he delivered intense fire into the tree line then, seemingly oblivious to the rounds impacting around him, he fearlessly dragged one of the stricken men to a covered location. Aware that the hostile fire had greatly increased, Corporal Marsden directed two of his fire teams to provide covering fire while a third executed an encircling movement around the tree line. However, realizing the dangerous position in which the second wounded man lay, he elected to rush to his aid before the maneuver was completed, but, when halfway to his objective, was seriously wounded by an enemy round. Resolutely determined to save his fellow Marine, he fought desperately to remain alert and, despite suffering extreme pain and loss of blood, continued to crawl toward his comrade until he succumbed to his wounds, just short of reaching the casualty. By his indomitable courage, selfless concern for his fellowman, an unfaltering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Corporal Marsden inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly have his life in the service of his country.

FOR THE PRESIDENT,

WILLIAM K. JONES

LIEUTENANT GENERAL, U. S. MARINE CORPS

COMMANDING GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC