The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant [then Sergeant] Robert Gerald Elgin (ASN: RA-19862498), United States Army, for gallantry in action in the Republic of Vietnam while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, Division, on 6 April 1968. Staff Sergeant Elgin distinguished himself while on a combat operation near the village of Then Thien Tra, Republic of Vietnam. As his company came under intense automatic weapons fire, Staff Sergeant Elgin, who was a fire team leader among the point elements, directed his fire team members to more tenable locations, while laying down a base of covering fire for them. Staff Sergeant Elgin refused to pull back until his men were in their new positions. On his way back to join his men, he discovered two wounded soldiers. Staff Sergeant Elgin pulled one to a covered position and then returned through an intense hail of enemy automatic weapons fire to get the second man. As he approached within 20 meters of safety with the second man, Staff Sergeant Elgin was mortally wounded by the enemy fire. His personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.