Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    38th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    November 29, 1950

    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 56 (March 2, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Robert L. Fair (ASN: o0-38357), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters Company, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 29 November 1950 in the vicinity of Kawchon, Korea. On that date, while his regiment was engaged in a withdrawal to avoid encirclement by a numerically superior enemy, Captain Fair, in his capacity as Assistant S3, accompanied the Tactical Air Control Officer to a point within the immediate proximity of the advancing enemy who had established a roadblock in a mountain pass. Fully exposing himself and remaining by his radio jeep though constantly drawing enemy fire, he aided the Tactical Air Control Officer in directing repeated strikes by eight friendly fighter aircraft on hostile targets in his immediate vicinity. These strikes destroyed many enemy troops and allowed our forces to withdraw through the pass. Captain Fair remained by his radio until it was destroyed by enemy fire. He then crawled a distance of 1,500 yards to a point where there were approximately 500 United Nations troops without a leader, organized them and led them in occupying defensive positions on high ground. The daring leadership of Captain Fair during this highly critical operation materially aided the friendly forces in extricating themselves from a situation of grave danger and contributed greatly to saving many lives and much equipment. The gallantry displayed by Captain Fair on this occasion reflects the highest great upon himself is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.