The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Eliott B. Robertson (MCSN: 0-6133), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Engineer of the SIXTH Marine Division during operations against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa from 1 April to 24 May 1945. In order to permit rapid preparation of plans for the necessary engineering developments, Lieutenant Colonel Robertson voluntarily made repeated reconnaissance missions into enemy sniper-infested areas, frequently into areas infantry units had not yet patrolled. During operations in the southern portion of the Island, he planned and supervised the erection of a Bailey bridge over the Asakawa estuary, voluntarily exposing himself to enemy sniper and artillery fire to insure the proper and rapid emplacement of this important structure In the face of heavy enemy fire he reconnoitered the vital Asato river for possible bridge or by-pass sites and, although wounded while doing so, managed to complete his reconnaissance and outline plans for bridging the tactically important river. His outstanding skill and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.