The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Robert J. Martin (MCSN: 0-73452), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the Marine Advisory Unit as an Airborne Coordinator for the Vietnamese Marine Division from 19 March to 25 March 1971. During Operation LAM SON 719 in Military Region I and Laos, Brigade 147 of the Marine Division was in extremely heavy contact with well-armed North Vietnamese Army forces. Major Martin flew repeated missions over the battle area to provide coordination between the brigade and United States supporting arms. Completely disregarding intense anti-aircraft fire from enemy weapons which had previously destroyed three United States helicopters he expertly directed and controlled a deadly volume of artillery and gunship fire on enemy positions which greatly aided the brigade in repulsing all enemy attacks. On 21 March 1971, while flying at dangerously low altitudes in the midst of heavy anti-aircraft fire, Major Martin identified a previously undetected enemy tank farm. Immediately directing all available air and artillery assets on the target, he was able to completely destroy the position. His outstanding coordination of artillery, fixed wing aircraft and helicopter gunship strikes, coupled with his valuable tactical observations to the ground commander, contributed significantly to an overwhelming enemy defeat. By his daring actions and loyal devotion to duty in the face of great personal risk, Major Martin upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.