The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Warrant Officer (W-1) Robert J. Gilbert, United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the 191st Aviation Company (Assault Helicopter), in the Republic of Vietnam on 22 May 1969. Warrant Officer Gilbert distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as aircraft commander of a UH-1C gunship and gun platoon lead. While flying cover for an element of the 9th Infantry Division, numerous enemy were spotted running from the immediate contact area. Warrant Officer Gilbert began rocket strikes on the area, marking numerous other targets for his gunships. He continuously braved the enemy fire to destroy enemy positions and relieve the American units. Using his last two rockets, Warrant Officer Gilbert marked a large enemy bunker complex that was inflicting casualties on the American unit and had halted the advance. When it was evident that his remaining gunship’s fire was ineffective on the heavily-fortified position, he called for an airstrike of f the position, and marked the target for the air strike. Through his personal bravery and tenacity under extremely hazardous conditions, an estimated enemy company was annihilated. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.