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 Major Robert Bruce Alexander (MCSN: 0-75013), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as the Operations Officer of the First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. During the early morning hours of 12 August 1969, the battalion was occupying a night defensive position when the Marines came under a heavy volume of mortar, small arms, and automatic weapons fire from an estimated two North Vietnamese Army battalions. Reacting instantly, Major Alexander quickly formulated a bold and imaginative plan to exploit the hostile contacts to the maximum and, at first light, directed rifle companies to conduct a sweep of the area and to maintain contact with the enemy force. Throughout the day, he repeatedly exposed himself to the intense North Vietnamese Army fire as he moved to points of heaviest contact from which he could better assess the situation and recommend the deployment of tactical units. Throughout that night, Major Alexander’s skillful adjustment of Marine supporting artillery fire seriously disrupted hostile attempts to launch a ground attack, and effectively sealed all enemy routes of egress. The following morning under Major Alexander’s direction, the battalion resumed the attack and in the ensuing fierce engagement, the battalion commander was mortally wounded. Unhesitatingly assuming command, Major Alexander continually moved across the fire-swept terrain from one subordinate unit position to another to ensure the maintenance of utmost fire power and to maintain the momentum of the assault. As night again approached, the enemy force, under constant pressure from the Marines, began a disorganized retreat. His dynamic leadership and brilliant utilization of tactics and supporting arms fire inspired all who observed him and resulted in 147 North Vietnamese Army soldiers killed, six prisoners apprehended, and the seizure of vast quantities of arms and ammunition. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Major Alexander contributed significantly to his battalion’s defeat of the enemy and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
ColonelAction Date:
August 8, 1983 – October 21, 1984
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel Robert Bruce Alexander (MCSN: 0-75013), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3, Headquarters, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic from 8 August 1983 to 21 October 1984. Colonel Alexander exhibited exemplary leadership and professional competence of the highest degree in planning, guiding, and coordinating the operational and training requirements of Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic and its major subordinate commands. His wisdom and complete grasp of all aspects of operational planning and execution contributed materially to the success of numerous major exercises and actual crises, including Operation URGENT FURY in Grenada. Throughout his tenure, Colonel Alexander consistently displayed penetrating insight into complicated operational issues and used dynamic leadership skills to ensure the combat readiness and effectiveness of the Force. Through his exceptional professional ability and innovative application of amphibious doctrine and techniques, Colonel Alexander contributed significantly to the accomplishment of the Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic mission. By his distinctive accomplishments, unrelenting perseverance, and selfless devotion to duty, Colonel Alexander reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
MajorDivision:
1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMFAction Date:
July 26, 1969 – July 12, 1970
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Major Robert Bruce Alexander (MCSN: 0-75013), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving with the FIRST Marine Division in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam from 26 July 1969 to 12 July 1970. Throughout this period, Major Alexander performed his demanding duties in an exemplary and high professional manner. Assigned as Operations Officer of the First Battalion while that unit was engaged in a four company combat operation in Quang Ngai Province, he ably assessed the tactical situation and initiated a series of maneuvers which quickly brought the complex operation to a successful conclusion. Assuming duties as Regimental Operations Officer on 18 September 1969, Major Alexander skillfully supervised and coordinated the activities of his large section and was instrumental in maintaining the superb readiness posture of subordinate units. Working tirelessly and with meticulous attention to detail, he planned and supervised the execution of numerous cordon and search operations, patrols, and ambushes in the DaNang area and personally disregarded his own safety as he boldly moved from one forward position to another to monitor the tactical situation and coordinate the delivery of support fires on hostile targets. An extremely perceptive tactician, he developed tactical innovations which thwarted the enemy’s persistent attempts to launch offensives against friendly positions, and resulted in severe losses to hostile forces. In addition, Major Alexander pioneered the Combined Unit Pacification Program in the Regiment’s tactical area and established training programs which greatly enhanced the combat skill of participating Regional and Local Forces. His brilliant execution of even the most difficult tasks earned the respect and admiration of all who served with him and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. Major Alexander rendered distinguished service to his country and thereby upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. (Major Alexander is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
CaptainBatallion:
1st BattalionRegiment:
4th MarinesDivision:
3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMFAction Date:
March 20 – 26, 1966
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Robert Bruce Alexander (MCSN: 0-75013), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company B, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. From 20 to 26 March 1966, during Operation OREGON, Captain Alexander demonstrated exceptional leadership and an intrepid fighting spirit in the conduct of a search and destroy operation in Quang Tri Province north of Hue. Soon after moving out as one of the forward elements of the battalion size group, Captain Alexander’s Company was subjected to intense enemy automatic weapons and mortar fire which initially pinned down his left flank platoon. Completely disregarding his own safety, he continuously exposed himself to the withering enemy fire to ensure that casualties were cared for and inspire his men to continue the attack. As the Marines continued to advance and sweep through the Viet Cong positions the next day, Captain Alexander exhibited a bold spirit and staunch perseverance which served to motivate his men to move forward with renewed strength. His resolute effort throughout contributed directly to the successful accomplishment of Operation OREGON. By his extraordinary leadership, uncommon military proficiency and selfless dedication to duty throughout, Captain Alexander upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
ColonelAction Date:
January 6, 1981 – July 15, 1983
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel Robert Bruce Alexander (MCSN: 0-75013), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff and Commander, Fourth Marine Amphibious Brigade Nucleus Staff, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, from 6 January 1981 to 15 July 1983. Colonel Alexander was responsible for the Fourth Marine Amphibious Brigade’s planning and conduct of numerous major exercises. Exhibiting exceptional leadership and managerial expertise in coping with the myriad responsibilities of his assignment, he consistently produced noteworthy results in the accomplishment of the Brigade’s mission. Exercises WINTEX 81, OCEAN VENTURE 82, NORTHERN WEDDING, BOLD GUARD, and BUSY EAGLE 82, WINTEX 83, COLD WINTER 83 and SOLID SHIELD 83 plus supporting planning and command post exercises were accomplished with superb results under his tireless and dedicated supervision. Despite repeated extended deployments and challenging operational tempo, the Brigade also received superlative grades on an inspection by the Inspector General of the Marine Corps. Colonel Alexander’s imaginative leadership, high standards, outstanding initiative, sound judgment, diplomatic skills in dealing with Allies and tenacious devotion to duty contributed markedly to the outstanding professional reputation of his command at home and among Allied and sister services. Colonel Alexander’s extraordinary efforts upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.