Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Captain James M. Robinson (MCSN: 0-8493), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company G, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, from 18 to 20 September 1944. Leading his company against strongly-held and well fortified Japanese caves and emplacements while under heavy machine-gun, rifle and mortar fire and handicapped by intense heat and precipitous and broken terrain, Captain Robison, maintaining effective control of his command, enabled his men to inflict heavy losses on the enemy and to gain six hundred yards of vital ground and secure a commanding ridge. Again on 3 October, he led his company up a steep ridge which had previously resisted all attacks and advanced his men along the summit while constantly exposed to enemy fire. When a platoon, extending to occupy the last sector of the ridge, was cut off and pinned down, Captain Robinson braved withering fire to cross a dangerously exposed ledge where several Marines bad just been killed or wounded and despite wounds sustained during the advance, remained with his company and continued to supervise their efforts until the ridge had been completely occupied. His inspiring leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and sound tactical knowledge were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    7th Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division

    Action Date:

    December 27, 1943 – January 3, 1944

    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 0855

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain James M. Robinson (MCSN: 0-8493), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company G, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Cape Gloucester, New Britain, during the period from 27 December 1943 to 3 January 1944. During eight days and nights of continuous fighting in dense jungle and broken terrain, Captain Robinson commanded his company with such splendid efficiency and inspiring courage that every attack was repulsed with severe losses to the enemy. On numerous occasions, he reorganized his positions under intense hostile fire and personally led daring counterattacks which were in a large measure responsible for the success of these important operations. Captain Robinson’s superb leadership and unflinching devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.