The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Robert Lee Lunsford (MCSN: 1608023), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 13 February 1966, during Operation TAUT BOW, Staff Sergeant Lunsford was engaged in a patrol attempting to find and destroy a Viet Cong village and tunnel complex located in the mountainous jungle west of the DaNang Air Base. As his platoon was proceeding up a steep trail flanked by dense underbrush, the lead squad was suddenly subjected to intense hostile fire from Viet Cong concealed behind boulders at the top of the trail. With great presence of mind, Staff Sergeant Lunsford immediately directed the second and third squads forward to assist the lead squad. Finding that the platoon leader had been seriously wounded, he immediately assumed command and ordered the lead squad into the attack. Completely disregarding his own safety, he repeatedly exposed himself to the withering hostile fire during the assault on the Viet Cong positions. Although he was painfully wounded by an enemy explosive device, he courageously continued to lead and direct the attack which ultimately routed the Viet Cong from their positions. By his resolute fighting spirit, inspiring leadership and selfless dedication to duty throughout, Staff Sergeant Lunsford upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.