The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Boatswain’s Mate First Class Robert L. Simons, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity on 29 February 1968, while attached to the Lighterage Branch, U.S. Naval Support Activity, DaNang, Republic of Vietnam. As Craftmaster of LCU 1500, Petty Officer Simons was tasked to deliver vitally needed cargo to the Free World Forces in the Northern I Corps Tactical Zone through the inland ports of Dong Ha and Hue. Through a major offensive directed against these forces, the enemy attempted to cut off their major supply routes by entrenching themselves along the Cua Viet and Perfume Rivers. On the morning of 29 February, Petty Officer Simons’ craft was in a convoy transiting the Cua Viet River when the convoy came under heavy attack from the enemy. A rocket pierced the side of the pilot house and exploded, killed the radioman, severed Petty Officer Simons’ left leg and badly mangled his left arm. Realizing that if his craft went out of control, the convoy would be in grave danger, and despite the severity of his wounds, Petty Officer Simons remained at the wheel and continued to navigate the highly restricted waters until relieved by the Chief Engineer. Petty Officer Simons’ professionalism, extraordinary courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.