The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Robert E. Webster (MCSN: 0-106396), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company C, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 19 February 1969, during Operation Dewey Canyon, Company C was participating in a battalion-sized assault against a well-entrenched hostile force in the A Shau Valley. While leading his platoon on a reconnaissance to determine the size and disposition of the enemy unit, Second Lieutenant Webster observed enemy movement along a ridgeline. Rapidly assessing the situation, he immediately deployed his men and launched an assault on the hostile soldiers and while maneuvering forward the Marines came under intense automatic weapons fire from a well-concealed enemy bunker complex. Fearlessly moving up to join his element, Second Lieutenant Webster received a serious wound, however, he steadfastly refused medical aid and continued to direct the attack, unhesitatingly maneuvering across the fire-swept terrain from one position to another as he urged his men forward and affected their fire. Boldly rushing to the area of heaviest contact he aggressively fired his weapon and threw hand grenades at the hostile soldiers until his platoon had overrun the objective and forced the enemy to retreat. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were responsive for his unit inflicting heavy casualties upon the hostile force and capturing two artillery pieces. By his courage, aggressive leadership and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Second Lieutenant Webster upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.