The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Robert Jay Cross, Jr. (MCSN: 0-94633), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Forward Air Controller with Company I, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 16 August 1968, Company I was occupying a defensive position near Khe Sanh when the Marines were attacked by a North Vietnamese Army battalion and sustained numerous casualties. Realizing that several of the injured men were in need of immediate medical aid, Lieutenant Cross fearlessly moved to the center of the fire-swept landing zone and, with complete disregard for his own safety, boldly directed helicopters into the hazardous area. Ignoring the hostile rounds impacting near him, he rapidly assisted the casualties into the aircraft and directed the helicopters from the zone. Continuing his determined efforts, Lieutenant Cross resolutely remained in his dangerously exposed portion and skillfully directed air strikes upon the North Vietnamese automatic weapons positions silencing their fire. His bold initiative and sincere concern for the welfare of his comrades inspired all who served with him and were instrumental in saving the lives of several Marines. By his courage, exceptional professional competence and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Lieutenant Cross 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.