The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Robert A. Beeler (MCSN: 0-89734), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company I, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 13 August 1969, Company I was conducting a search and destroy operation approximately five miles north of An Hoa in Quang Nam Province when the Marines came under a heavy volume of small arms, automatic weapons, machine gun, and rocket-propelled grenade fire from a well-concealed North Vietnamese Army force occupying a tree line. Reacting instantly, Captain Beeler skillfully deployed his company and, fearlessly moving throughout the fire-swept terrain, shouted instructions and encouraged his men as he ably directed their accurate fire at the enemy. Alertly observing that hostile machine gun fire was impeding the company’s advance, he commenced crawling across the hazardous area toward the emplacement. Undaunted by the hostile rounds impacting near him, Captain Beeler steadfastly continued toward the objective and was seriously wounded by the explosion of an enemy hand grenade. Completely disregarding his painful wounds, he maneuvered to within five meters of the machine gun and, effectively throwing several hand grenades, silenced the position and killed the hostile soldiers who were occupying it. Returning to his company, Captain Beeler resolutely refused medical attention and continued to direct the fire of his men, subsequently overrunning the enemy position and forcing the hostile soldier to retreat. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the defeat of the North Vietnamese Army force. By his courage, superb leadership and unfaltering devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Captain Beeler upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.