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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Robert E. Caine, Jr. (MCSN: 518879), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Third Battalion, Twenty-Fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Saipan, Mariana Islands, on 15 June 1944. With his platoon pinned down during a bitter engagement against a fanatic enemy on D-Day, Private First Class Caine fearlessly braved the fierce hostile machine-gun fire in a valiant attempt to wipe out the emplacement and, skillfully maneuvering to a more favorable attack position, poured a steady stream of deadly fire into the strong point, effectively silencing the weapon and killing the twelve hostile troops manning the gun when he subsequently charged the emplacement. By his daring initiative, indomitable fighting spirit and dauntless perseverance in the face of tremendous odds, Private First Class Caine contributed materially to the success of our forces in capturing this vital hostile stronghold, and his selfless devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    25th Marines

    Division:

    4th Marine Division

    Action Date:

    August 1, 1944
    Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 3156 (January 15, 1947)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Corporal Robert E. Caine, Jr. (MCSN: 518879), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Squad Leader in an Assault Rifle Company while serving with the Third Battalion, Twenty-Fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on the Island of Tinian in the Marianas, on 1 August 1944. Locating a heavy Japanese machine gun pouring its deadly fire into his company position during a furious engagement, Corporal Caine unhesitatingly left his protected position to advance across an open fire-swept area and, gaining a strategic point just below the hostile installation, launched a vigorous attack against the enemy, destroying the powerful weapon and inflicting heavy casualties before he fell, seriously wounded by a burst of merciless hostile gunfire. An indomitable fighter, Corporal Caine, by his bold tactics, unrelenting aggressiveness and resolute determination in the face of savage opposition, contributed materially to the disruption of the Japanese strong point and to the ultimate conquest of this vital enemy base. His undaunted courage and gallant conduct throughout a period of fierce hostilities upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.