The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Robert Trent Willis (MCSN: 0-93515), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company F, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam on 25 September 1966. During Operation PRAIRIE Second Lieutenant Willis’ Company was moving forward to relieve pressure on Company G when it encountered the rear of a large, well entrenched, armed and camouflaged enemy unit. Reacting immediately he daringly exposed himself to heavy enemy automatic weapons and mortar fire in order to accurately direct counter fire from his platoon. Making his way among two of his squads, he directed their fire to destroy a number of enemy positions. The platoon then encountered an enemy mortar position, and, when the leading elements began to move against it, they were halted by heavy automatic weapons fire. Second Lieutenant Willis picked up a weapon belonging to one of his wounded men and single-handedly destroyed the enemy mortar position, killing four Viet Cong. He quickly formed his men and led an assault on an automatic weapons position, neutralizing it and killing two more Viet Cong. His courageous actions were a direct contribution to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission and served as an inspiration to all those who observed him. By his heroism, exemplary leadership and inspiring devotion to duty, Second Lieutenant Willis upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.