The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Robert S. Steigerwald (MCSN: 1003996), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Platoon Sergeant of Company F, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 28 March 1953. When the platoon was subjected to devastating enemy mortar and artillery fire while he was advancing with the unit in an assault on a strongly fortified hostile position, Staff Sergeant Steigerwald courageously exposed himself to the hostile fire to distribute ammunition to his comrades and lend words of encouragement. With the ammunition supply replenished, the assault continued and the unit succeeded in reaching the objective and in routing the entrenched enemy. Upon discovering that the platoon commander was missing, Staff Sergeant Steigerwald skillfully assumed command and organized his men for an orderly withdrawal. After an unrelenting search, he found the platoon commander, and together they delivered deadly accurate covering fire as the unit withdrew. By his outstanding courage, initiative and indomitable spirit, Staff Sergeant Steigerwald served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.