The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Robert L. Appleby (MCSN: 0-50471), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a 60-mm. Mortar Section Leader of Company C, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 23 April 1951. When his company’s position was subjected to a savage enemy attack, Second Lieutenant Appleby moved through the intense hostile fire to the area of a neighboring platoon to observe and to direct effective mortar fire against the attacking enemy. With the numerically superior hostile force penetrating the friendly position and bringing up its reserve to exploit the gain, he fearlessly advanced to an extreme forward observation point and, skillfully directing close-in mortar fire, was instrumental in disrupting the movement of the enemy reserve forces and in inflicting heavy casualties. By his outstanding courage, daring initiative and inspiring devotion to duty in the face of overwhelming odds, Second Lieutenant Appleby contributed greatly to the defense of the friendly position and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.