The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Robert W. Hamlett (MCSN: 562288), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Rifleman of Company I, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands on 4 May 1945. Volunteering to go through intense enemy machine gun and mortar fire to assist in the evacuation of wounded comrades, Private Hamlett succeeded in rescuing two men and in making a third trip to the front lines before he was wounded. His courage, initiative and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.