The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Robert Patrick Brooks (MCSN: 0-73934), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company K, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, on 4 July 1966, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. When Captain Brook, assigned as Battalion Operations Officer, assumed temporary command of the Company late in the afternoon, it was heavily engaged with a battalion size force of Viet Cong, had sustained significant casualties and was in danger of becoming disorganized. With outstanding leadership, he succeeded in establishing full control over his Company and in gaining fire superiority over the enemy force. He was repeatedly subjected to highly accurate enemy fire while effecting the necessary contact with his various Company and supporting elements. His fearless efforts resulted in almost immediate restoration of the Company’s integrity. Maneuvering his Company onto better defensive terrain, he moved from position to position to insure the morale of his command and the proper deployment of available firepower. By nightfall he had organized a tenable defense, and he proceeded to direct the evacuation of the Company’s wounded. At dawn his Company was ordered to return to the Battalion perimeter. Moving his Company through an enemy controlled area while under fire from both flanks, he was able to evacuate his dead, wounded and equipment, including two disabled amphibian vehicles. During this movement, one of the vehicles was further disabled by a mine, but he refused to abandon it and successfully returned it to his own lines. By his presence of mind under fire, his disregard for his own safety, his initiative and his leadership, Captain Brooks upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.