The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Commander Robert Stewart Graustein, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as a Pilot of jet aircraft, serving with Attack Squadron SEVENTY-FIVE (VA-75), attached to the U.S.S. Saratoga (CV-3), during combat operations in Southeast Asia. On 12 October 1972, Lieutenant Commander Graustein was pilot of a single aircraft that conducted a daring, night low-level seeding and reconnaissance mission deep into heavily defended enemy territory. In spite of the intense enemy surface-to-air missile threat and the unrelenting hail of intense and accurate anti-aircraft artillery fire, he skillfully piloted his aircraft to the heavily defended waterway segment, delivering his ordnance precisely as planned. Lieutenant Commander Graustein’s aggressiveness and determination in the face of overwhelming enemy reaction successfully impeded the flow of urgently required war material along a vital rail line at the heart of the enemy’s supply system. His superb airmanship, courage and devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.