The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Robert Thomas Connell, Jr. (MCSN: 1222435), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Rifleman of Company H, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 27 May 1952. While providing flank security for a combat patrol when his main body of that group became engaged in vicious hand-to-hand combat with the enemy, Corporal Connell along with three other members of the security team, surprised a group of seventeen of the enemy preparing to counterattack. Despite a virtual hail of intense enemy fire, he moved forward and fired his weapon with devastating effect, disrupting the counterattack and causing the enemy to retire in confusion. Mortally wounded by enemy fire while engaged in this action, Corporal Connell, by his daring initiative, inspiring courage and selfless devotion to duty, contributed materially to the success of the patrol and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.