The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Robert B. Williams (MCSN: 0-86952), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Battery B, First Battalion, Eleventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. Early on the morning of 23 February 1969, Battery B, which was occupying a fire base 5,000 meters south of Marble Mountain in Quang Nam Province was attacked by a North Vietnamese Army sapper unit employing rockets, grenades, and automatic weapons. Quickly assessing the situation, Captain Williams organized and led a reaction force to the point of heaviest contact and began to direct the fire of his men against the enemy. Throughout the ensuing fire fight, he repeatedly disregarded his own safety as he moved from one position to another, ensuring the safety of his men and speaking words of encouragement. Maneuvering to a position dangerously exposed to hostile fire, Captain Williams directed a mortar barrage along the defensive berm, halting the enemy’s advance and enabling his Marines to counterattack. Observing rifle fire coming from a fighting hold, Captain Williams aggressively attacked the position with hand grenades and personally captured two North Vietnamese soldiers. When the fighting subsided, he directed a tank into position to fire at tree line 300 meters to the front, thereby routing a large North Vietnamese Army force and thwarting the enemy’s scheme to overrun the friendly position. Under his aggressive leadership, his unit accounted for ten North Vietnamese sappers killed, three others captured, and the seizure of ten AK-47 rifles and a large explosive device. His resolute determination and bold fighting spirit inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, superb leadership and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Captain Williams upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.