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 Colonel Robert Dewey Bohn (MCSN: 0-37498), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 27 December 1967, Colonel Bohn was alerted to a suspected enemy troop buildup in the vicinity of Go Noi Island in Quang Nam Province. Realizing the urgency of exploiting the opportunity to eliminate the concentration of enemy forces, he immediately planned, coordinated and commenced a search and destroy mission which began Operation AUBURN. Upon landing in the designated area by helicopters, the Third Battalion came under small arms, automatic weapons and grenade launcher fire from a hostile force entrenched in a heavily fortified complex. Completely disregarding his own safety, Colonel Bohn accompanied his assault force and exposed himself to the increasing intensity of 60-mm. and 82-mm. mortar fire in order to more effectively assess the tactical situation. Subsequently, he committed a second battalion and deployed his command post forward to a vantage point where he could control and direct the multi-battalion engagement. On 28 December, he displayed outstanding skill and sound judgment as he controlled his regiment in the attack, personally directing supporting arms fire while skillfully maneuvering one battalion to clear the fortified area. Undaunted by the hostile fire around him, he courageously moved throughout the area of heaviest fighting to remain abreast of the changing tactical situation and advise his unit commanders. By his superior professional skill, dynamic leadership and selfless devotion to duty despite extreme personal danger, Colonel Bohn inspired all who observed him, contributed materially to the accomplishment of the mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.