The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Robert J. Ward (MCSN: 1099309), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company H, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 30 April 1968, Company H was directed to attack a large North Vietnamese Army force occupying a village near the Cua Viet River northeast of Dong Ha. As Staff Sergeant Ward’s platoon entered the village, the Marines immediately came under a heavy volume of enemy fire. Although painfully wounded in the initial moments of the fire fight, he resolutely refused medical aid and skillfully maneuvered his men forward through the heavily defended area. With complete disregard for his own safety, Staff Sergeant Ward fearlessly moved about the fire-swept terrain, shouting words of encouragement to his men and skillfully directing their fire. After the objective was secured, he rapidly consolidated his position, and only after ensuring that his platoon was prepared to continue the attack, did he allow himself to be medically evacuated. His bold leadership and aggressive fighting spirit inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, resolute determination and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Staff Sergeant War upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.