The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Robert T. Wattie (MCSN: 0-31816), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader of Company G, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands from 15 September to 13 October 1944. Reorganizing and setting up a night defense after leading his platoon halfway across an airstrip under heavy artillery, mortar and small arms fire, Second Lieutenant Wattie efficiently directed the repulse of a hostile counter attack inflicting heavy damage on our forces. Leading his platoon in an assault against the enemy, who were strongly posted in concrete pill boxes and large caves on 27 and 28 September, he bravely supervised the attack from an exposed position and successfully directed the destruction of many of the fortifications which formed the last strong hold on the northern tip of the Island. Leading his platoon on a combat patrol along a precipitous hill, well-fortified with pill boxes and caves on 11 October, he skillfully executed an attack up the hazardous incline to kill eighteen of the enemy and destroy hostile positions, thereby making it possible for his company to capture this vital objective the following morning. His courageous devotion to duty and leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.