The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Robert O. Hutchings (MCSN: 0-22778), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader of Company F, Second Battalion, Twenty-second Marines, SIXTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands on 14 May 1945. Although suffering serious shock and fatigue and having lost every man of his platoon in the day’s bitter action First Lieutenant Hutchings voluntarily attached himself to another combat unit and accompanied it in assault. Throughout the ensuing offensive he employed grenades and rifle fire on enemy emplacements, searching them out in the darkness and attacking them despite the personal risks involved. Upon reaching the objective with the assaulting force and discovering the imminence of a full scale Japanese attack, First Lieutenant Hutchings assisted in organizing the troops for defense and constantly exposed himself to intense hostile fire to direct adjustments in the lines. When, after hours of savage defense, only himself and five other men of the defending force remained effective, he continued to encourage his small force to heroic efforts and refused to withdraw until relieved by a reserve company. His aggressive initiative, tactical leadership and gallant conduct throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.