The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Robert H. Laborde (ASN: 0-1177497), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 27th Infantry Division at Saipan, Mariana Islands, during the period 16 June to 7 July 1944. As an artillery forward observer, Lieutenant Laborde’s calls for artillery fire from the front lines contributed greatly to the success of the attack and to the failure of enemy counterattacks. On the morning of 7 July, in the vicinity of Makunsha, the enemy made a savage counterattack. Our infantry front lines were overrun by superior numbers. Lieutenant Laborde remained at his post, adjusting artillery fire until the Japanese were surrounding and throwing grenades at his position. He was then forced to abandon his radio and retreat. During the remainder of the retreat, he carried out the duties of an infantry line officer with distinction.