The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Robert A. Bock (MCSN: 1093257), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as an Assistant Machine Gunner of Company B, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 24 April 1951. When the machine gunner was seriously wounded and had to be evacuated during an attack against the company defensive position in the vicinity of Hwachon by a numerically superior enemy force, Private First Class Bock unhesitatingly manned the gun and directed accurate fire against the attackers. Throughout the long battle which lasted until the early hours of the morning, he steadfastly remained at his post, loading and firing his weapon. Although the hostile force advanced many times to within a few feet of his position and killed or wounded all the other men of the squad, Private First Class Bock continued to fire his gun and succeeded in driving the enemy away and inflicting numerous casualties upon them. By his outstanding courage, aggressive fighting spirit and gallant devotion to duty, he served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.