The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Robert F. Conti (MCSN: 0-105592), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company E, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 24 November 1969, while Company E was reconnoitering to select a suitable night defensive position, it came under a heavy volume of machine gun and small arms fire from a North Vietnamese Army force occupying machine gun and small arms fire from a North Vietnamese Army force occupying well-concealed emplacements in a tree line. Unhesitatingly rushing to the point of heaviest contact, First Lieutenant Conti fearlessly exposed himself to the intense hostile fire as he deployed his men into effective fighting positions. While skillfully maneuvering his men in a flanking movement, he observed a Marine fall seriously wounded in an open area and, heedless of the enemy rounds impacting all around him, darted to the man’s side and boldly moved him across the fire-swept terrain to a covered location. After re-assuring and comforting the casualty, First Lieutenant Conti was returning to his original position when he came under a concentration of hostile fire and, while attempting to take evasive action, was mortally wounded by fragments from an anti-personnel mine. His heroic and determined efforts inspired all who observed him and saved the life of a fellow Marine. By his courage, superb leadership, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, First Lieutenant Conti earned the respect and admiration of all who served with him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.