The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Robert O. Tilley (MCSN: 0-91071), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company K, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. Late in the afternoon on 12 May 1967, during Operation Union, First Lieutenant Tilley displayed exceptional professional skill and heroism when he led his company to relieve the beleaguered elements of a point unit which had sustained heavy casualties from a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force. By aggressive fire and maneuver tactics, he moved to the hostile flank, delivering effective suppressive fire to allow withdrawal of the besieged unit. Throughout the night, First Lieutenant Tilley moved among his men, encouraging them and directing supporting arms fire on the enemy. Early on 13 May, Company K was assigned to support adjacent units in attacking an estimated battalion of North Vietnamese. Upon joining with the friendly units, his company immediately came under intense mortar and machine gun fire; however, disregarding his own safety, First Lieutenant Tilley unhesitatingly exposed himself to the heavy fire in order to deploy his units into strategic fighting positions. During the attack, he was seriously wounded by machine gun fire. Disregarding his
painful wound, he continued to lead his men until his condition forced him to be medically evacuated. After the enemy had been routed and fled, 105 dead were counted and large quantities of weapons, ammunition and other abandoned equipment were seized. His superior leadership and determination were an inspiration to all who served with him and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his outstanding professionalism, uncommon courage, and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, First Lieutenant Tilley upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.