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.

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.