The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Robert Lewis Martinez (MCSN: 2083073), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Radioman with Company C, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. Shortly after midnight on 16 June 1966, Corporal Martinez’s eighteen man patrol was occupying an observation post deep within enemy controlled territory in the vicinity of Chi Tu, Quang Tin Province, when a Viet Cong force of estimated battalion size crept close to the Marines’ position and, on a pre-determined signal, launched a vicious attack with small arms, grenades, automatic weapons and mortar fire. When the Viet Cong attempted to employ human wave tactics on an adjacent position, Corporal Martinez, with complete disregard for his own safety, quickly left the relative safety of his position and brought effective fire to bear on the attackers. His determined effort was instrumental in turning back the immediate threat. Although he was seriously wounded in the course of the battle, Corporal Martinez was of inestimable value in silencing a Viet Cong automatic weapon which the enemy had successfully placed less than twenty meters from the Marines’ defensive perimeter by taking advantage of the darkness and difficult terrain. His courageous action throughout the ordeal contributed in large measure to the successful defense of the hill, and helped to prevent his entire patrol from being killed or captured by the numerically superior enemy. Corporal Martinez’s daring initiative, valor in the face of extreme danger and unfaltering dedication to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.