The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Robert J. Rodgers (MCSN: 0-7255), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company D, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, during the period September to December 1942. On the night of 24 October, despite continuous and dangerous assaults by a numerically superior Japanese force which was attempting to destroy the Lunga defense lines, Captain Rodgers daringly commanded his men in devastating counterattacks and by his great personal valor and disregard for his own safety, contributed to the rout and virtual annihilations of an entire Japanese regiment. Throughout the entire period that his company was in direct combat with the enemy. Captain Rodgers’ indomitable fighting spirit and grim determination served as an inspiration to the men under his command and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.