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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Robert M. Lindsay (ASN: 0-2017086), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 13 February 1951, near Taechondong, Korea, while participating in a combat patrol as a staff observer, Lieutenant Lindsay was at an observation post when he noticed an enemy force of more than three hundred men preparing for an attack on the battalion perimeter defenses. His observation post was in rear of the enemy force which had infiltrated across the Han River during the hours of darkness. The majority of the battalion at this time was on patrol missions, clearing and sweeping the battalion zone. Lieutenant Lindsay immediately realized the grave danger to the battalion, and the urgent need for tank firepower. He unhesitatingly volunteered to contact the tank platoon leader. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he proceeded across open terrain through a hail of heavy enemy fire. En route a mortar round knocked him to the ground. Dazed but unhurt, he courageously proceeded to the tanks, delivered the message, and then led the tank platoon to a position from which the tanks could place effective fire, breaking up the attack and causing the enemy to retreat. The gallantry and aggressiveness of Lieutenant Lindsay reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    15th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    November 23, 1950
    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 142 (May 15, 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 (Infantry) Robert M. Lindsay (ASN: 0-2017086), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 23 November 1950, in the vicinity of Majon-ni, Korea, Company B was ambushed by a cleverly concealed enemy force. Heavy fire from the front and both flanks pinned this force down. Lieutenant Lindsay, who was accompanying a Republic of Korea Marine Battalion, was advancing from the opposite direction toward this action. When he was contacted by radio and informed of the plight of Company B he quickly and efficiently placed his mortars and machine guns in action to relieve some of the pressure on the beleaguered company. His actions contributed materially to diminishing the fire power of the enemy and resulted in an effective withdrawal of Company B from the ambush area with a minimum loss of casualties. Concurrently, realizing that maximum fire power should be placed on the enemy to secure a safe passage, Lieutenant Lindsay fearlessly moved openly down the road through intensive fire, firing his carbine at the enemy, so inspiring the men of the Republic of Korea Marine Battalion that they followed his example and forced the enemy to seek cover. The heroism and gallantry displayed by Lieutenant Lindsay reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.