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Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Ralph H. Robertson (ASN: 0-2263401), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 2d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 3 October 1951, near Chorwon, Korea, during E Company’s assault on Hill 400, the First Platoon, advancing rapidly on the right flank of the company, was subjected to and disorganized by an intense hail of enemy fire. Observing that the platoon leader had fallen under the withering barrage, Sergeant Robertson, Platoon Sergeant, immediately assumed command. Fearlessly exposing himself, he encouraged and rallied the men of the shattered unit, compelling them by his own exemplary courage to follow him in fierce assault which terminated with the seizing of the objective. Sergeant Robertson’s gallant initiative, aggressiveness and leadership reflect high credit upon himself and the military service.

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Master Sergeant

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    15th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    May 26, 1951
    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 338 (August 6, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Master Sergeant Ralph H. Robertson (ASN: 0-2263401), United States Army, for heroic achievement during ground operations against a hostile force as a member of Company E, 2d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 26 May 1951, in the vicinity of Ilsong-jong, Korea, the Second Platoon was given the mission of attacking and securing the approaches to Hill 440 so that the remainder of the unit could launch an attack against the enemy-held hill position. While leading his platoon up the precipitous slopes, Sergeant Robertson was wounded in the left elbow by enemy small arms fire; and his comrades momentarily halted their assault. Despite the painful wound, Sergeant Robertson regrouped the platoon and renewed the vigor of the assault. Laying down a withering hail of fire and hurling grenades, the unit accomplished its assigned mission, killing eight enemy troops, wounding ten, and capturing one prisoner. Sergeant Robertson’s outstanding heroism under fire and his selfless determination reflect great credit upon himself and exemplify the high traditions of the military service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    15th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    December 13, 1951
    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 102 (March 12, 1952)

    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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Ralph H. Robertson (ASN: 0-2263401), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 2d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. On 13 December 1951, Lieutenant Robertson led a patrol across the Yokkok Chon River, near Ojoksan-ne, Korea, with a mission of contacting the enemy, and determine his strength and disposition. Soon after crossing the river and reorganizing, the patrol was subjected to a fierce fusillade of hostile small-arms and automatic-weapons fire. Realizing the impossibility of holding this position Lieutenant Robertson organized a rear guard covering force and began moving the patrol back across the river into friendly territory. When he was sure all the men were crossing the river, he then left his position and followed them. The hostile force continued to place devastating fire on the patrol and while in mid-stream, the medical aidman and radio operator were seriously wounded. Making his way to the radio operator, Lieutenant Robertson removed the heavy radio equipment from his back and assisted him to safety on the opposite side of the river. Pausing only long enough to give instructions to reorganize, he unhesitatingly reentered the icy water and courageously braved the lethal spray of enemy bullets to assist the struggling, disabled medical aidman to safety. Upon getting both wounded men to safety, he then administered first aid before evacuating them to the medical aid station. Lieutenant Robertson’s gallantry and courage were instrumental in saving the life of two wounded comrades and reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.