The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Robert A. Fleischner (MCSN: 0-54493), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Commander of Company G, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on the night of 25 – 26 July 1953. Although painfully wounded, First Lieutenant Fleischner organized and led the remainder of his platoon throughout the night in a desperate defense of a critical sector of the main line of resistance against a numerically superior attacking force. Refusing evacuation or medical aid, he led counterattacks against groups of heavily armed enemy troops and repeatedly engaged in bitter hand-to-hand fighting in a determined effort to clear the trench lines and defend his wounded comrades. At dawn, he organized a group of Marines armed with a rocket launcher, rifles and hand grenades and skillfully maneuvered his men through the forward trench lines, clearing snipers and infiltrators from damaged bunkers and other installations. By his courageous leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Fleischner served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.