Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Robert Everett Buchmann (MCSN: 0-51091), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Rifle Platoon Commander of Company F, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 29 May 1951. When his platoon was pinned down by devastating hostile automatic weapons and small arms fire during the attack against a strongly defended enemy hill position, Second Lieutenant Buchmann bravely charged up the hill and carried out a single-handed assault on the strong point. Felled by an enemy grenade while engaged in this action, he was preparing to rise and continue his one-man attack when he was struck by hostile fire and mortally wounded. By his courageous leadership and aggressive fighting spirit, Second Lieutenant Buchmann served to inspire the members of his platoon to heroic efforts in completely routing the entrenched enemy and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    7th Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.)

    Action Date:

    March 1, 1951

    Commanding General, 1st Marine Division: Serial 11310 (May 15, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Robert Everett Buchmann (MCSN: 0-51091), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader of Company F, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 1 March 1951. Boldly exposing himself to direct flanking fire from an enemy machine gun, Second Lieutenant Buchmann led his men across a narrow, precipitous ridge toward a jutting peak designated as their objective and, skillfully directing the platoon up the tortuous slope, arrived at a position only thirty yards below the hostile emplacements. Although painfully wounded when the enemy opened fire with a devastating hail of grenades, he again assumed an exposed position to rally and reorganize his men, continuing up the steep incline until he gained a position just below the enemy. From this vantage point, he directed such accurate and shattering grenade fire that the hostile force was completely routed. His outstanding leadership, superb courage and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of overwhelming odds reflect the highest credit upon Second Lieutenant Buchmann and the United States Naval Service.