The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Robert J. Hall (MCSN: 0-17255), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader of Company G, Second Battalion, Twenty-third Marines, FOURTH Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands on 17 June 1944. With his company pinned down by intense hostile machine gun and sniper fire, First Lieutenant Hall, although painfully wounded, volunteered to lead a patrol forward to destroy the enemy positions. Directing the advance skillfully and with outstanding courage he boldly proceeded through the withering barrage to launch a vigorous attack and although blinded by powder burns received in a previous explosion, steadfastly refused evacuation, remaining in active command of the patrol to overcome all Japanese resistance in the area and complete his mission successfully before retiring to the rear for medical treatment. By his determined and forceful leadership, his daring initiative and indomitable fighting spirit maintained against tremendous odds, First Lieutenant Hall served as an inspiration to his men during this and numerous other extremely perilous engagements and his zealous devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.