The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Robert J. Putnam (MCSN: 0-5661), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commander of Company K, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces during the hostile attacks on the Tenaru Sector, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands on 13 to 17 September 1942. Due to his brilliant and skillful leadership, Captain Putnam’s command remained intact while repeatedly repulsing Japanese attackers and inflicting heavy losses on their forces even though his sector bore the brunt of the enemy’s head long assault. On September 15, he displayed outstanding valor when he proceeded to a completely exposed position on the firing line to spot artillery fire. As a result of his heroism and devotion to duty the battalion’s defense lines were unshaken.