The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Robert W. Homer, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Platoon Sergeant, Second Platoon, Company F, Battalion Landing Team 2/1, Thirteenth Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), Regimental Combat Team TWO, SECOND Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM in New Ubaydi, Iraq, on 16 November 2005. During Operation STEEL CURTAIN, 21 enemy personnel engaged Staff Sergeant Homer’s platoon with grenades and automatic fire from several well-fortified positions. Staff Sergeant Homer repeatedly exposed himself to the effects of grenades and small arms fire as he moved to assist Marines who were heavily engaged. After saving three wounded Marines’ lives by removing them from the effects of enemy fire, Staff Sergeant Homer returned to the stronghold and rescued another wounded Marine. He suppressed the enemy with his personal weapon, directed tank, and machine gun fires, and without regard for his own safety, he maneuvered towards the heart of the firefight to provide first aid to a Marine who lay severely wounded in the kill zone. Undeterred by the enemy grenade explosions that wounded him, Staff Sergeant Homer suppressed the enemy, applied a tourniquet to the Marine’s arm, and evacuated him to the platoon’s casualty collection point. He refused treatment for his own wounds and continued evacuating others until he was ordered to board a casualty evacuation aircraft. Staff Sergeant Homer’s valiant efforts saved numerous lives and inspired the elimination of 18 insurgents during the battle. By his bold leadership, selfless act of bravery, and total dedication to duty, Staff Sergeant Homer reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.