The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Robert L. Neef (MCSN: 0-46344), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company D, Second Battalion, Twenty-sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 4 March 1945. When his company attained its objective late in the afternoon and then failed to make contact with the unit of the left, First sergeant Neef moved through enemy fire although previously wounded twice and succeeded in locating the right flank of the adjacent unit. Receiving multiple shrapnel wounds at this time, he returned to the Company Command Post and, imparting his valuable information to the one remaining officer in the company, directed the filling of the gap and reported to the Battalion Command Post before seeking medical aid. His courageous determination, fortitude and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.