The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Robert W. Weeks (MCSN: 0-93814), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company L, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 12 May 1969, Company L was participating in a search and destroy operation approximately eight miles south of DaNang when the Marines came under intense small arms and automatic weapons fire from a well-entrenched battalion-sized hostile force. Reacting instantly, Captain Weeks unhesitatingly exposed himself to enemy fire as he moved from one position to another, regrouping his men. Realizing that his unit was in a very dangerous position, he ordered his men to assault the tree line held by the numerically superior hostile force. Fearlessly leading his men forward he was instrumental in securing the tree line and inflicting several casualties upon the enemy. While his company was consolidating its position in the tree line, Captain Weeks boldly moved forward to assess the situation. Observing that numerous hostile soldiers were located in various positions throughout approximately four hundred meters of open terrain, he skillfully requested and directed Marine mortar and artillery fire upon the enemy, then personally led an assault on the remaining hostile positions, forcing the enemy to retreat. Directing air strikes and artillery on the withdrawing hostile force, he was instrumental in inflicting heavy casualties upon the enemy. Twice during the fire fight, he exposed himself to the hostile fire to evacuate wounded Marines from hazardous positions. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in the defeat of a large enemy unit. By his courage, aggressive leadership, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Captain Weeks upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.