The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Robert Scheck Morrison (MCSN: 0-87345), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company H, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy during Operation STARLITE near Chu Lai, Republic of Vietnam. On 18 August 1965, while engaged in an attack against tenacious and determined insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces, First Lieutenant Morrison’s platoon was continually subjected to intense mortar, automatic weapons and small arms fire. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Lieutenant Morrison unhesitatingly and repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire while moving among his squads and attached tanks, giving encouragement and directing their fire. During the afternoon, when Company H became pinned down by enemy fire and suffered numerous casualties, Lieutenant Morrison, while leading his platoon, was wounded by enemy fire as he crossed a fire-swept rice paddy. Despite his painful wound and considerable loss of blood, he fearlessly continued to direct and coordinate the efforts of his platoon and tanks until a helicopter landing zone could be reached. Upon arrival at the landing zone, Lieutenant Morrison refused to be evacuated until all of the other wounded were evacuated. By his courageous and selfless actions, inspiring leadership and loyal devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Morrison upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.