The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Robert A. Hyer (MCSN: 1136904), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Squad Leader of Company C, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 20 October 1952. When a friendly patrol and supply train en route to a combat outpost were cut off and ambushed by an enemy force, Sergeant Hyer unhesitatingly led one of his fire teams from the comparative safety of the outpost to aid the stricken unit. Moving forward of his men, he exposed himself to a hostile machine gun in a brave attempt to draw its fire and, maneuvering his team to within a short distance of the enemy position, threw hand grenades to silence the hostile weapon. With the enemy laying down an impassable screen of concussion and white phosphorous grenades before the position could be assaulted, Sergeant Hyer, despite painful burns, obtained a new supply of grenades to rout the hostile troops that had re-manned the machine gun emplacement. Courageously advancing, he silenced the weapon again and subsequently assisted five other Marines in evacuating the critically wounded. By his outstanding courage, indomitable fighting spirit and resolute determination, Sergeant Hyer served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.