The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Berton Aldrich Robbins, Jr. (NSN: 0-70128), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. LEUTZE (DD-481), in action against enemy Japanese forces, during the attack on Iwo Jima, on 17 February 1945. Moving into close position to provide fire support for underwater demolitions units working off the east beaches on D-minus-2-day, Commander Robbins accurately directed the blistering fire of his guns against the formidable Japanese shore batteries and, undaunted by the terrific volume of counterfire from enemy beach positions, steadfastly maintained station until his ship received a direct hit just abaft the bridge toward the close of the action. Refusing to relinquish command of his ship despite critical wounds sustained at this time, he resolutely remained on the bridge until the completion of the mission. By his courageous determination and great personal valor in the face of grave peril, Commander Robbins contributed materially to our success in this strategic area and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.