The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Robert James Shannon (MCSN: 630194), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Fire Team Leader in Company I, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 21 September 1950. When the squad leader left the cover of his position during an attack against hostile strongholds to go to the aid of wounded Marines who were in a jeep on the road, Corporal Shannon assumed command of the squad and conducted his men in covering the evacuation of the wounded from the jeep by building a base of fire against the enemy. Repeatedly exposing himself to hostile gunfire in order to expand his squad’s base of fire, he succeeded in providing excellent cover for the wounded men before he himself received a fatal wound by an intense burst of enemy automatic fire. His courage, leadership and unswerving devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Corporal Shannon and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.