The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Robert L. Nelson (MCSN: 0-49498), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Commander of Company D, First Tank Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 28 September 1950. Fearlessly leading his platoon, with its attached tank bulldozer through a mined avenue of approach to support Marine Infantry units in an attack against the enemy, First Lieutenant Nelson was quick to act when the tank behind his struck a mine and was rendered inoperative, and the driver wounded and his assistant stunned in the explosion. Promptly halting his platoon, he boldly moved through the intense fire to the inoperative tank to direct the removal of the wounded Marine and then ran to the rear of the column to guide the bulldozer forward through the mine field. Constantly risking his life, he supervised the operator in digging the mines from the field and personally threw the explosives to the side of the road after they had been uncovered. By his daring initiative, exceptional ability, leadership and inspiring courage, First Lieutenant Nelson contributed to the successful advance of his platoon and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.