The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Field Artillery) Robert Bogardus Cairns, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Cairns distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 4 November 1969, while serving as Battalion Executive Officer of the 1st Battalion (Airmobile), 77th Field Artillery Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), during an enemy attack on Fire Base BUTTONS, Republic of Vietnam. When the landing zone came under attack from a large enemy force, Major cairns led a stretcher team to a bunker that had been destroyed by enemy fire. After assisting in carrying the wounded rom the bunker to the aid station, her ran to a lightly defended section of the perimeter and encouraged the men on the berm, resupplying ammunition and firing on enemy positions. He then moved to another damaged bunker and assisted in carrying another wounded man to the aid station. His gallant action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.