The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Robert C. Sebilian (MCSN: 309973), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Squad Leader in a Reconnaissance Patrol serving with the Second Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the battle of Piva Forks, Bougainville, Solomon Islands, November 21, 1943. With his platoon leader wounded and casualties inflicted on his squad during a reconnaissance of a heavily defended hostile position, Sergeant Sebilian fearlessly crept through the dense jungle to within ten yards of the enemy and destroyed a hostile machine gun with grenades, thereby disrupting the coordination of their fire and creating a break in the lines. Promptly reorganizing the survivors of his squad, he successfully occupied the gap through three hostile attempts to cut off the patrol which had proceeded into the enemy’s rear area and maintained the position until the mission was completed and a successful withdrawal effected. By his courageous initiative, valiant fighting spirit and skillful leadership in the face of grave peril, Sergeant Sebilian contributed materially to the success of the mission, and his loyal devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.