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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to First Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers) Robert William Siemer, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy, in the Republic of Cambodia on 22 May 1970. First Lieutenant Siemer distinguished himself by heroism while serving in the Republic of Cambodia. After setting the charged to detonate, First Lieutenant Siemer noticed a helicopter was in-bound to the fire base and was heading to the area in which the demolitions were set to explode. He rushed back to the area with a demolitions specialist to insure the charges were disarmed, but as the specialist was about to cut the fuse the demolitions exploded and injured the two of them. His concern for the welfare of his fellow soldiers and devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers)

    Batallion:

    8th Engineer Battalion (Airmobile)

    Division:

    1st Cavalry Division

    Action Date:

    June 28, 1970
    Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division, General Orders No. 2944 (February 14, 1971)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Soldier’s Medal to First Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers) Robert W. Siemer, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Siemer distinguished himself by heroism on 28 June 1970 in the Republic of Vietnam. When the ammunition dump at his fire base caught fire from an unknown source, First Lieutenant Siemer, with complete disregard for his own safety, rushed to the dump. Despite the explosions all around him, First Lieutenant Siemer continued to drag the ammunition from the burning site. His courageous efforts were instrumental in saving the lives of many of his fellow soldiers. First Lieutenant Siemer’s concern for the welfare of his fellow soldiers and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.