The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Robert D. Thurston (MCSN: 0-20231), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Operations and Training Officer of the Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 25 and 26 July 1953. Assigned the extremely hazardous mission of commanding a vital outpost position far forward of the main line of resistance which had been subjected to vicious hostile attacks during the night and had suffered heavy casualties and material losses, Major Thurston gallantly exposed himself to murderous enemy small arms, mortar and artillery fire in order to rally the remaining Marines and to lead them in counterattacking and destroying enemy troops in the vital position. During the fierce encounter, he personally engaged and killed two hostile soldiers in bitter hand-to-hand fighting and wounded several others, inspiring his men to successfully clear the outpost. Expeditiously reorganizing his men in the defense of the position, he re-established channels for evacuation of casualties and supply of vitally needed ammunition in order to prepare his unit for repelling further hostile attacks. By his professional skill and meticulous attention to detail, he accomplished a quick and efficient relief of the position by fresh units. Throughout the night, he repeatedly exposed himself to intense hostile artillery and mortar fire to observe and direct friendly supporting fire, resulting in heavy enemy casualties and in dispersing three company-size attacks. Critically wounded by the heavy enemy fire, Major Thurston, by his courageous leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty, contributed in large measure to the successful defense of the extremely vital position and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.