The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal Robert Bryant Hamblett (MCSN: 2486513), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Machine Gun Team Leader with Company D, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 12 November 1969, Lance Corporal Hamblett was a member of a reaction force which was directed to assist a platoon that had been pinned down by fire from elements of a North Vietnamese Army battalion occupying a well-fortified bunker complex in the Que Son Mountain area of Quang Nam Province. Arriving at the site of the beleaguered unit, the reaction force was also pinned down by an extremely heavy volume of mortar, small-arms, and automatic-weapons fire. Realizing the need for immediate action, Lance Corporal Hamblett seized the initiative and commenced maneuvering his men in an attempt to execute a flanking movement. As he was directing his men across the fire-swept terrain, he pinpointed the enemy machine gun emplacement which was the principal source of hostile fire. Aware that one person would attract less attention than a group, he deployed his team back to friendly lines and commenced a lone assault up a steep slope toward the hostile bunker. Undaunted by the enemy rounds impacting all around him, he determinedly pressed forward but was mortally wounded by sniper fire as he darted across an open area. By his courage, valiant initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Hamblett inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.