Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Hospital Corpsman Robert C. Wagner (NSN: 9967320), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Corpsman with a Marine Company of the Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 7 September 1951. Hospitalman Wagner was accompanying a platoon on a combat patrol with the assigned mission of destroying several enemy bunkers on strategic Hill 673. Forward elements of the patrol had advanced almost to the crest of the hill when the enemy unleashed a vicious automatic weapons crossfire, which pinned down and cut off the leading element from the remainder of the platoon. Although he was warned by the platoon leader to withdraw to a covered position, Hospitalman Wagner observed a wounded comrade lying in a completely exposed position swept by withering enemy fire. Completely disregarding his own personal safety, he unhesitatingly dashed through the heavy enemy fire to reach and render aid to the wounded man. Despite the increasing intensity of the enemy fire directed at him, he skillfully treated his comrade and then carried him to a sheltered position, although he was painfully wounded in the hand. Then, observing a second casualty isolated from the remainder of the platoon, he took charge of him as well, remaining with both men in a concealed position until darkness would permit their returning to friendly lines. Although he was unable to move in any direction because of the withering enemy fire, he continued to render all possible aid to his patients, without further disclosing their position to the enemy. When the platoon was forced to withdraw, leaving him alone with the two wounded men, he remained with them for approximately forty hours, within a few yards of the enemy position, and finally succeeded in assisting them to the safety of friendly lines. His great personal bravery and heroic actions undoubtedly saved his comrades from death or capture by the enemy. Hospitalman Wagner’s display of outstanding courage and devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received