The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Sergeant Major Robert K. Williamson, United States Marine Corps, for meritorious service in connection with combat operations against the enemy while serving as the Company First Sergeant, Company F, 2d Battalion, 8th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 5 and 1st Brigade Combat Team, I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) and II Marine Expeditionary (Forward), from 17 October 2006 to 29 February 2008 in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Sergeant Major Williamson selflessly volunteered to deploy to Iraq to fill a much needed First Sergeant position in a forward deployed Infantry Battalion. Over the course of two deployments, he participated in numerous battalion and company-level cordon and search operations, to include Operations TALON, ARIZONA, and BADLANDS; one in which a mounted platoon-reinforced patrol was attacked by an Improvised Explosive Device. After the explosion, he quickly dismounted and began searching the area for the triggermen and secondary devices. Sergeant Major Williamson and the Platoon Commander identified two trucks in the vicinity of the trigger site and engaged the enemy forcing them to flee the area. Sergeant Major Williamson was tasked with the company’s Civil-Military Operations Claims process and as the interpreter manager. His mission planning led to a more effective and safe operation, benefiting both the Marines’ and Iraqis’ safety and welfare. Sergeant Major Williamson’s distinctive contributions, unrelenting perseverance, and steadfast devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.