The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Robert Melvin Lough, Jr. (MCSN: 1881709), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Headquarters Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. In the early morning hours of 23 February 1969, an air support radar team’s position near the Division Command Post in Quang Nam Province was attacked by a force of approximately forty North Vietnamese Army sappers utilizing machine guns, rocket-propelled grenades, and automatic weapons. Arriving in the designated area, Staff Sergeant Lough, the Platoon Sergeant of a Reaction Platoon, immediately assessed the tactical situation and began organizing his men to assist the beleaguered unit. Completely disregarding his own safety, he aided the platoon commander in establishing a base of fire and moved continuously about the fire-swept terrain to position his men and offer them words of encouragement. Realizing that supporting arms could not be employed due to the proximity of friendly and enemy positions, he unhesitatingly accompanied the lead element of an aggressive assault and fearlessly direct the fire of his men until he fell mortally wounded. By his courage, bold fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty, Staff Sergeant Lough inspired all who observed 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.