The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Robert J. Epperson (MCSN: 0-46983), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a 60-mm. Mortar Section Leader of Company C, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 24 April 1951. With his section occupying a night defense position when a numerically superior hostile force launched a fierce attack forcing the outpost well in front of the company’s lines to withdraw, First Lieutenant Epperson, voluntarily rallying his men, redeployed his group and led a successful counterattack in the face of devastating machine gun, small arms, grenade and mortar fire. Although stunned by a close enemy mortar blast after securing the high ground to his front, he inspired his men to set up effective defense positions. By his outstanding leadership and sound tactical knowledge, he was directly instrumental in keeping the outpost intact and in inflicting at least 38 casualties upon the hostile force, thereby protecting the company from a serious enemy threat. His valiant fighting spirit and courage reflect the highest credit upon First Lieutenant Epperson and the United States Naval Service.