The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Robert W. Jeffers (MCSN: 369097), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a member of a 37-mm. Antitank Gun Crew in Battery B, Special Weapons Battalion, attached to the First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at the mouth of the Matanikau River, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on the night of 23 October 1942. During a hostile tank attack supported by a sizable force of infantry, Private Jeffers steadfastly remained at his post until severely wounded by intense fire. His courage, indomitable fighting spirit and exemplary devotion to duty were contributing factors in completely repulsing the Japanese attack and destroying eleven enemy tanks, and reflect great credit on Private Jeffers and the United States Naval Service.