The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Hospital Corpsman Third Class Robert William Matticks (NSN: 6866694), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company G, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 4 March 1966, during Operation UTAH, Hospital Corpsman Matticks’ unit was engaged in a search and destroy operation when contact was made with a large Viet Cong force employing machine guns and automatic weapons from fortified bunkers and an adjoining trench line concealed behind a hedgerow. Observing a wounded Marine lying helpless only about six feet in front of one of the machine gun emplacements, Hospital Corpsman Matticks immediately crawled to his side. Completely exposed to the withering fire, he administered first aid and, with great determination, pulled the wounded man to safety. Hearing a call for medical aid from a position on the opposite side of the bunker, he again exposed himself to the murderous enemy fire. With the Viet Cong fire only inches above him, he courageously crawled in front of the machine gun position again, then passed the bunker to reach and give medical assistance to another Marine casualty. His uncommon concern for others at great risk of his own life enabled the stricken men to receive immediate medical care and was an inspiration to all who observed him. By his extraordinary courage in the face of enemy fire, bold initiative and unwavering dedication to duty throughout, Hospital Corpsman Matticks upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.