The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Robert Michael Jenkins (MCSN: 1498750), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company F, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 2 June 1967, during Operation UNION II, Company F came under intense enemy mortar, recoilless rifle and automatic weapons fire from a well entrenched North Vietnamese force. In the initial burst of fire, the unit sustained numerous casualties, including the platoon commander who was mortally wounded. Quickly assessing the situation, Staff Sergeant Jenkins unhesitatingly assumed command and after reorganizing the platoon, directed the expeditious evacuation of the wounded Marines to an area of relative safety. Displaying exceptional leadership and professionalism, he aggressively led his men in a flanking maneuver which routed the North Vietnamese from their positions, inflicted numerous casualties on the enemy and resulted in the seizure of the enemy’s weapons and equipment. Although painfully wounded during this action, Staff Sergeant Jenkins refused medical evacuation and, leading his unit to a vantage point, continued to direct intense and accurate fire on the enemy. His outstanding professional skill and leadership were instrumental in the successful accomplishment of his unit’s mission and were an inspiration to all who observed him. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Staff Sergeant Jenkins upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.