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 J. Seeley (ASN: RA-12056194), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Heavy Mortar Company, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 6 and 7 September 1950, in the vicinity of Naegok, Korea. On that date his platoon of mortars was supporting a reinforced rifle company which was preparing for an attack on enemy positions across the Naktong River. At approximately 2100 hours the enemy delivered an intense mortar and artillery barrage, followed by an all-out attack on the mortar position. The tank reinforced enemy succeeded in surrounding the entire platoon and inflicted heavy casualties. Quickly loading the wounded onto vehicles, Sergeant Seeley assembled the remainder of his platoon, and while they drew the enemy fire the vehicles carrying wounded pierced the enemy encirclement and made their way to safety. Sergeant Seeley supervised the destruction of the mortars and other equipment, lest they fall into enemy hands, and led his men through the enemy lines to a friendly observation post. At this position they formed a defensive perimeter to await the expected enemy attacks. The enemy attempted several fanatical assaults on this position, but were finally repulsed, with both sides suffering severe casualties. With the coming of daylight, the beleaguered group then withdrew to a previously selected position to await the darkness. The group concealed themselves with the scant covering available, but at approximately 1400 hours on the afternoon of 7 September an enemy patrol discovered them and the group was again forced to withdraw to another position. At this point the group was joined by another hard-pressed group and together they moved toward friendly lines. Sergeant Seeley, with complete disregard for his own safety, moved forward alone, scouting out enemy positions, investigating villages and possible enemy hiding places, leading the men to safety of friendly lines. His actions contributed greatly to the moral of the unit and materially aided the group in reaching safety. The sustained courage and devotion to duty and to his comrades displayed by Sergeant Seeley reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.