The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Robert D. Hammond (MCSN: 431669), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands on 19 July 1944. Disregarding his own wounds as his company was withdrawing in the face of a Japanese counter attack Sergeant Hammond voluntarily led a rescue party in the evacuation of wounded men who were pinned down under heavy rifle, machine gun and mortar fire and by his alert and courageous action was instrumental in saving many lives. His outstanding initiative, fortitude in the face of danger and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Sergeant Hammond and the United States Naval Service.