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.

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.