The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Colonel Robert Donald Taplett (MCSN: 0-6678), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer of the Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea from 28 November to 10 December 1950. When a vastly outnumbering hostile force attacked his Battalion assembly area northwest of Yudam-ni during the pre-dawn hours of 28 November, Lieutenant Colonel Taplett remained steadfast in the midst of heavy fire and bursting grenades as the enemy penetrated to within ten yards of the command post, maintaining communications with and directing the fire of two of his companies which were also under attack and directing the third reserve company in delivering a brilliantly executed counterattack to repel the onslaught in all sectors before daybreak. Assigned, on 1 December, to break the enemy’s main line of resistance which controlled the principal supply route of entrapped Marine units near Yudam-ni, he placed himself in a forward position to observe and control operations and, although he was knocked to the ground by mortar fire on one occasion, and subjected to continuous small-arms and artillery fire throughout two days of intensive action, succeeded in driving the enemy from the area, thereby enabling the FIRST Marine Division to remove all troops, casualties, equipment and supplies in safety. With the Division train cut in half by hostile fire during the march from Hagaru-ri to Koto-ri on 7 December, and the rear elements unable to advance for a period of more than ten hours, Lieutenant Colonel Taplett moved two miles to the head of the convoy under heavy fire and, effecting a skillful reorganization, started the train moving, at the same time supervising his own Battalion in offensive neutralizing action against the strongpoint. Later the same day when the enemy struck the rear echelon in estimated battalion strength, he again left his position and braved the intense fire to analyze the situation. Promptly calling for air strikes, bringing his own supportive fire to bear and maneuvering two rifle companies into action, he conducted a devastating offensive to annihilate the attackers and enable the Marine units to reach their destination without further opposition. By his inspiring leadership, forceful combat tactics and gallant fighting spirit maintained against staggering odds, Lieutenant Colonel Taplett contributed to the success of his Battalion in accounting for more than 2,000 of the enemy with a total of only 117 in his own ranks. His fortitude and devotion to duty throughout the bitterly fought twelve-day battle reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.