Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant) Robert Thomas Frank, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Frank distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Assistant Battalion Advisor to the 3d Battalion, 11th Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. In action against the enemy near Cai Lay, South Vietnam, on 3 August 1967. On that date, his lead company was pinned down by withering Viet Cong fire and taking casualties. Captain Fran, with his Vietnamese counterpart, dashed across 100 meters of fire swept terrain to reorganize the company and lead an assault on the enemy emplacements. During the attack an American infantry advisor was seriously wounded. Captain Frank ran back to administer first aid but seeing the man was critically wounded, moved his across 350 meters of fire-swept battlefield, across a wide, deep canal, to a safe evacuation zone. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Frank, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    1st Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    23d Infantry Division (Americal)

    Action Date:

    1969

    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Robert Thomas Frank, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Frank distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Commanding Officer of an Infantry Company of the 1st Infantry Regiment, 23d Infantry Division (Americal), in action against the enemy in 1969. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Frank, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.