The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Robert J. Reilly (MCSN: 440767), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Leader of a Rifle Squad serving with the Third Battalion, Twenty-First Marines, THIRD Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Guam, Mariana Islands, 11 August 1944. Coolly disregarding his own safety despite continuous exposure to enemy machine-gun and rifle fire while operating as advance guard of a patrol , Sergeant Reilly skillfully led his squad in an attack on an enemy ambush and with courageous initiative succeeded in killing a large number of the hostile force. Ordered to withdraw when it became apparent that the patrol was greatly outnumbered, Sergeant Reilly, although severely wounded, personally conducted the retirement of his squad, expediting withdrawal over the difficult terrain by refusing to be carried and valiantly making his own way for two and one-half hours back to the base camp, where he succumbed to his wounds. By his vigilant aggressiveness and outstanding leadership, Sergeant Reilly protected his patrol from ambush and contributed to the annihilation of numerous Japanese troops. His unfaltering devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.