The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Robert Thomas Walsh (MCSN: 1399730), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as an Aerial Gunner in Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-ONE (HMM-361), Marine Aircraft Group THIRTY-SIX (MAG-36), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in Vietnam on 10 August 1966. While participating in the emergency night reinforcement of a Marine company engaged in heavy fighting, Staff Sergeant Walsh flew as an aerial gunner in support of Operation COLORADO against the communist guerilla forces. When his flight was menaced by Viet Cong automatic weapons fire, he aggressively took his position under fire. With his accurate bursts of fire he silenced the enemy fire and enabled his flight to continue unmolested by the Viet Cong position. After delivering the combat laden fellow Marines through intense enemy tracer fire to aid the beleaguered company, he and his fellow crew members bravely waited for a critically wounded Marine to be loaded aboard the helicopter. He then manned his machine gun for take off from the critical zone, well aware of the intense fire that would be received when the aircraft was airborne. The enemy surrounded the helicopter with streams of tracers as it cleared the trees. Knowing that his machine gun would be the only protection for his fellow crew members, Staff Sergeant Walsh commenced firing as the pilot flew through the ring of fire. Even as he put fire on the most menacing enemy position, the helicopter was viciously raked from all directions and he was wounded. With complete disregard for his wounds and concerned only for the lives of his fellow Marines, he regained his position and fired his machine gun at the enemy until he lost consciousness. Staff Sergeant Walsh’s inspiring courage and devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.