The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Robert E. Chesnut (MCSN: 2238708), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Radio Operator with Company G, Second Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 7 April 1968, while conducting a search and destroy operation near the Khe Sanh Combat Base, Company G became heavily engaged with a large North Vietnamese Army force occupying fortified positions and sustained numerous casualties. Alertly observing a wounded Marine lying seriously wounded in front of an enemy bunker, Lance Corporal Chesnut unhesitatingly left his covered position and commenced to maneuver across the fire-swept terrain toward his injured comrade. Disregarding his own safety, he boldly assaulted the hostile emplacement, and after throwing a hand grenade, an enemy round suddenly struck an ammunition magazine in his left breast pocket, knocking him violently to the ground. Quickly recovering, Lance Corporal Chesnut directed a heavy volume of fire into the hostile position, and as he commenced to assist the wounded man, he was again knocked down by an enemy hand grenade. Resolutely continuing his determined efforts, he fearlessly assisted another Marine in carrying the casualty through the intense hostile fire to a position of relative safety. His heroic actions and sincere concern for the welfare of his comrade inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the life of a fellow Marine. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Lance Corporal Chesnut contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.