The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Second Lieutenant Robert Gibson Tobin, Jr. (MCSN: 0-49643), United States Marine Corps, for heroic achievement in connection with operations against the enemy while serving with a Marine Rifle Company in Korea, from 8 to 11 December 1950. Second Lieutenant Tobin displayed great skill and courage in the performance of his duties as an artillery forward observer. While the company was moving down a steep and hazardous pass in the vicinity of Koto-ri, under almost continual attack by numerically superior enemy forces, he repeatedly exposed himself to intense enemy fire to call down supporting artillery fires. Although subjected to below freezing temperatures and hampered by ice and snow in the movement from one observation post to another, he directed such accurate and devastating fire that an estimated enemy force of over 300 men was practically decimated, and forced to break contact. Second Lieutenant Tobin’s courageous actions were an inspiration to all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Second Lieutenant Tobin is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Second LieutenantBatallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
11th MarinesDivision:
1st Marine Division (Rein.)Action Date:
October 28, 1950
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Robert Gibson Tobin, Jr. (MCSN: 0-49643), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to Battery F, Second Battalion, Eleventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), during operations against enemy aggressor forces near Kojo, Korea, on 28 October 1950. When the forward elements of the infantry company to which he was attached as an artillery forward observer were temporarily overwhelmed during a vicious enemy night attack, Second Lieutenant Tobin skillfully rallied the remaining men of the beleaguered units into a firm defensive position despite heavy and accurate enemy small-arms, grenade and automatic-weapons fire. Realizing that some casualties had been left in the fire-swept area in front of the position, he called for covering fire and, in the company of another man, unhesitatingly moved forward into the intense enemy fire to locate and evacuate the wounded to safety. After determining that there were no additional casualties in the forward area, he immediately moved to the rear through intense fire to obtain and guide needed medical aid to the casualties and arrange for their evacuation. By his daring initiative, cool leadership and grave concern for others at great risk to his own life, Second Lieutenant Tobin contributed to the saving of many lives and served as an inspiration to all who observed him. His forceful and determined leadership and heroic efforts throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.