The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Sergeant [then Sergeant First Class] Robert A. Larkin (ASN: RA-36036486), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company H, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 8 March 1951 in the vicinity of Kyechon, Korea. On this date Sergeant Larkin was leading a 75mm recoiless rifle section, engaged in patrolling action against an estimated enemy company which was threatening to penetrate the friendly perimeter. When the enemy was encountered, Sergeant Larkin, with complete disregard for his personal safety, circled the enemy’s flank in an attempt to draw the enemy fire from his unit. Completely exposed to enemy observation and fire, Sergeant Larkin inflicted numerous enemy casualties before reinforcements arrived. His actions so completely disorganized the enemy that the remaining surrendered without resistance and included in their capture were large quantities of enemy arms and equipment. The gallantry in action displayed by Sergeant Larkin reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.