The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Robert N. Beck (MCSN: 1193182), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Machine Gun Squad Leader of Company H, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 29 August 1952. Guarding a critical sector of the company’s defense perimeter, Private First Class Beck skillfully employed personal weapons and hand grenades to repulse the many enemy probes and never once committed his crew-served weapons into action. When a reinforced hostile squad attacked the position, he aggressively engaged the enemy and, aided by his assistant machine gunner, repelled the enemy force with small arms and hand grenades. Although painfully wounded by enemy concussion grenades, he continued in the action until the enemy was defeated and refused medical aid and evacuation until his wounded comrade had been treated. By his indomitable fighting spirit, courageous initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Private First Class Beck served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.