Navy Federal Credit Union

Robert Martin had assumed command of the 34th Infantry Regiment the day prior to his Distinguished Service Cross action, during which he was Killed in Action. His remains were never recovered. In addition to his Korean War service, he was also a veteran of combat in World War II.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    34th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 8, 1950

    General Headquarters Far East Command: General Orders No. 12 (July 11, 1950)

    The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Colonel (Infantry) Robert Reinhold Martin (ASN: 0-15953), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer, 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. Colonel Martin distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces at Chonan, Korea, on 8 July 1950. Observing enemy tanks and infantry in force penetrated his regiment’s forward position, Colonel Martin, with total disregard for his own personal safety, rushed forward to organize and personally led rocket launcher and grenade attacks against the tanks and infantry at ranges of ten to twenty yards. Despite heavy small-arms and tank gun fire, Colonel Martin, by his heroic example, so inspired his men that they destroyed several tanks and forced others to withdraw, thereby preventing the enemy from immediately overrunning the position. During this action Colonel Martin lost his life while single-handedly attacking an enemy tank with a rocket launcher at a range of about fifteen yards. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Colonel Martin on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.