The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Robert Gerard Herlihy (MCSN: 0-57805), 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. Courageously organizing and leading a small group of Marines in a determined assault to restore a critical sector of the main line of resistance, Second Lieutenant Herlihy fearlessly engaged in a bitter hand-to-hand combat with numerically superior enemy troops that were attempting to gain control of a friendly bunker which sheltered eleven seriously wounded Marines. Steadfastly remaining at his post, he successfully resisted the enemy until the arrival of friendly reinforcements. Mortally wounded by enemy fire during the fierce encounter, Second Lieutenant Herlihy, by his indomitable fighting spirit, exceptional courage and self-sacrificing efforts, served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.