Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Lieutenant Colonel (Field Artillery) Robert R. Gilbert (ASN: 0-78849), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an armed hostile force: Lieutenant Colonel Gilbert distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 10 November 1967, while serving as Senior Liaison Officer to the 9th Republic of Korea Infantry Division in the Republic of Vietnam. Colonel Gilbert acted as an aerial observer in an attempt to make an immediate assessment of the damage caused by Typhoon Frieda to lines of communications and military installations in the NinhHoa area. Upon receipt of information that installations were flooded and a number of persons stranded, he assumed mission command of the helicopter and conducted an aerial reconnaissance of the area. The flight was completely voluntary on the part of Colonel Gilbert and entailed great risk since it was made at low altitude through extremely turbulent weather. At the Lam Song Training Center, he observed five stranded Vietnamese civilians in danger of being swept into the raging torrent. He directed the helicopter to hover above their location while he assisted the crew in bringing the people aboard and then placing them on higher ground. Again Colonel Gilbert sighted six Vietnamese cut off from safety, and directed the pilot to land in a soft hazardous area and assisted the crew in rescuing them. He then observed two Republic of Vietnam soldiers struggling in neck deep water in a swollen stream and directed the helicopter to hover inches above the water while the crew members formed a human chain. He kneeled out on the skids with complete disregard for his own safety, and pulled the soldiers aboard. Colonel Gilbert’s courage, devotion to duty and humanitarian action, resulted in the rescue of a total of twenty-two Vietnamese men, women and children from certain tragedy. Colonel Gilbert’s heroic actions were in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)

    Action Date:

    October 24 – 28, 1967

    Headquarters, I Field Force Vietnam, General Orders No. 22 (January 11, 1968)

    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 pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Robert R. Gilbert (ASN: 0-78849), United States Army, for gallantry in action: Lieutenant Colonel Gilbert distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions during the period 24 October 1967 to 28 October 1967, while serving as Senior Liaison Officer to the 9th Republic of Korea Infantry Division. During the aforementioned period, Colonel Gilbert performed several intrepid acts far beyond those required in the normal performance of his duties. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he participated in several hazardous helicopter flights at low level, including a flight after dark in an unescorted flareship, to assist Republic of Korea and Republic of Vietnam forces in repelling Viet Cong attacks. Disregarding the dangers from hostile small arms, mortars, and machine gun fire, Colonel Gilbert displayed fearless tenacity and tireless perseverance and was at all times in the forefront of the operations. Included in his valorous acts were participation in combat assaults by helicopter, personal reconnaissance of enemy positions, accompanying gun ships on attacks on hostile positions and action as an aerial observer in hazardous low altitude flights. His vigorous and forceful performance contributed immeasurably to the success of the Korean operation. Colonel Gilbert’s display of personal gallantry and devotion to duty are in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.