Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Lance Corporal

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    5th Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

    Action Date:

    January 30, 1968

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal Robert V. Peterson (MCSN: 2242658), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company I, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in the Republic of Vietnam on 30 January 1968. During a search and destroy operation near the village of Thon Trung Luong in Quang Nam Province, the lead elements of the company came under intense enemy automatic weapons fire and grenade attack and sustained numerous casualties. Observing a wounded Marine, Corporal Peterson ran across 200 meters of open, fire swept rice paddy, placed the man on his shoulders and moved him to a position of relative safety. Corporal Peterson then returned to the point and directed devastating fire on the enemy positions enabling several other casualties to be removed to relative safety. Moving from position to position, he redistributed ammunition to his men, enabling them to gain fire superiority. Volunteering as point man for the assault on the village, he fearlessly ran through a small gate into the village and directed fire on the enemy positions until he was mortally wounded. By his bold initiative, gallant fighting spirit and loyal devotion to duty, Corporal Peterson reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.