The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Robert L. Hensley, Jr. (MCSN: 342483), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Rifleman of Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on enemy held Peleliu, Palau Islands on 19 September 1944. When his platoon received many casualties from a hostile machine gun located in a cave at the crest of a ridge line while attacking steep coral ridges which concealed numerous enemy automatic weapons, Private First Class Hensley charge in despite the heavy volume of fire directed at him and annihilated the enemy with point-blank rifle fire. By his courageous and aggressive fighting spirit, Private First Class Hensley enabled his platoon to advance to its objective without further casualties and his conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.