The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Robert Etheridge McBryde (MCSN: 358314), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Platoon Sergeant of Company I, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 15 March 1951. When the leading elements were subjected to intense and accurate enemy automatic weapons, hand grenade and small arms fire from well-concealed hostile bunkers and were temporarily unable to advance during the company’s attack on a strongly defended enemy hill position, Sergeant McBryde courageously advanced forward through the devastating hostile fire and crawled to within 25 yards of the enemy positions. Standing erect, he delivered heavy rifle fire into the bunker apertures, thereby silencing the hostile fire and allowing the company to rapidly advance and secure the strategic positions. By his outstanding courage, daring initiative and aggressive fighting spirit, Sergeant McBryde served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.