The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Gunnery Sergeant Robert D. Christenbury (MCSN: 247482), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against forced of the enemy Japanese Army. On 14 January 1944, in the advance up the slopes of Hill 660, an exceptionally steep and well defended hill, in dense jungle undergrowth, over difficult and unfamiliar terrain, against a determined and well entrenched enemy, firing from concealed position, he platoon was disorganized by enemy machine gun and mortar fire. Gunnery Sergeant Christenbury, although wounded in the face by shrapnel, refused medical aid and made his way to the front, quickly reorganized his men for an attack, and calling encouragement, pushed forward, routing the enemy from the crest of the hill. His high courage, initiative and untiring devotion to duty inspired his comrades and were an important factor in the capture of a strongly defended enemy position. His gallant and intrepid action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.