The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Robert Lee Mitchell (MCSN: 338075), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Fourth Tank Battalion, FOURTH Marine Division, during our landing operations on D-Day, on the enemy Japanese-held Island of Saipan in the Marianas Group, 15 June 1944. After a tank of his platoon had been loaded on the port side of an LCM, causing a dangerous list to the vessel, Private First Class Mitchell promptly volunteered to accompany other members of the crew to the starboard in a valiant attempt to upright the craft and prevent it from capsizing before reaching shore. Assuming an exposed position on the lighter’s gunwale despite a fierce barrage of hostile mortar and artillery fire emanating from the beach, he steadfastly continued his determined efforts until a hostile shell struck the vessel, setting it afire and instantly killing the crew on the starboard side of the lighter. His daring initiative, great personal valor and cool courage in the face of grave peril reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Mitchell and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.