Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    1st Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division

    Action Date:

    September 15, 1944

    Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 00396

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class R. B. Fields, Jr. (MCSN: 814096), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Machine Gunner in an Assault Platoon of Company I, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, 15 September 1944. When his platoon reached its initial objective and was attacked by enemy tanks delivering heavy and accurate fire, Private First Class Fields picked up his machine gun with tripod and, firing from his hip at point-blank range, caused a confused Japanese tank driver to stop, allowing our anti-tank weapons to disable the vehicle. Remaining in position despite machine-gun fire from the tank, he continued firing, killing six enemy soldiers riding on top of the tank and tow of the vehicle’s crew members who were attempting to escape. His courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Fields and the United States Naval Service.