Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Armor) Robert Alexander Finney, Jr. (ASN: 0-61017), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 64th Heavy Tank Battalion, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 2 May 1951, near Uijongbu, Korea, Lieutenant Finney boarded a tank, left his position in the rear of friendly lines, and voluntarily moved five miles through enemy-held territory to retrieve four tanks which had bogged down while attempting to by-pass an enemy tank trap and mine field. Constantly exposing himself to enemy small arms and mortar fire, he continually moved from tank to tank supervising operations and urging his men to work feverishly to retrieve the tanks. After successfully freeing one tank, Lieutenant Finney received orders to move back to friendly lines. He supervised the removal of precision equipment and armament from the disabled vehicles and then assumed command of the last tank in the column to aid in covering the withdrawal of his comrades. Exposing himself in the turret of his tank, he directed effective machine gun fire at the enemy until mortally wounded. Lieutenant Finney’s outstanding gallantry and selfless devotion to duty reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Armor)

    Batallion:

    64th Heavy Tank Battalion

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    March 27, 1951

    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 255 (July 5, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Armor) Robert Alexander Finney, Jr. (ASN: 0-61017), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 64th Heavy Tank Battalion, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 27 March 1951, near Kumgong-ni, Korea, Lieutenant Finney’s unit was supporting forces of the Republic of Korea in an assault on well-entrenched enemy positions. During the operation the infantry elements became critically short of ammunition and a truck dispatched to re-supply them became mired in deep mud. Lieutenant Finney, realizing the urgency of the situation, maneuvered his tank retriever into position and directed the extricating of the truck, so that it could continue its mission. While he was performing this hazardous task, Lieutenant Finney was continuously exposed to enemy small arms and mortar fire concentrated on the area where the work was going on. The steadfast courage and gallantry displayed by Lieutenant Finney resulted in the success of the operation and reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.