The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Robert M. Hartsing (MCSN: 333366), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Squad Leader of Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces at Peleliu, Palau Islands on 17 September 1944. When his platoon suffered heavy casualties from a hostile automatic weapon concealed along a steep coral ridge, Corporal Hartsing skillfully maneuvered his quad into effective positions from which to deliver flanking fire upon the enemy. Then, in the face of intense machine gun fire and bursting grenades he single-handedly rushed the emplacement and destroyed the Japanese crew with hand grenades and point blank fire. L By his quick and heroic action, Corporal Hartsing enabled his platoon to advance with a minimum number of casualties. His courage, daring initiative and aggressive fighting spirit throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.