Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Sergeant First Class Ray J. Robison (ASN: RA-19606180), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during the period August 1969 to November 1972, while serving as Assistant Development Advisor, Advisory Team 66, Dinh Tuong Province, Delta Regional Assistance Command, Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Robison performed with superlative skill a wide range of advisory assignments in the development programs of the Government of Vietnam. He consistently displayed outstanding qualities of leadership, professionalism and technical competence while assisting his ministerial-service counterparts in achieving more effective results in their areas of responsibility. During his lengthy tour of duty Sergeant Robison constantly sought, and was assigned, an increasing number of advisory portfolios. Initially, he served with rare distinction as Advisor to the Rural Development Cadre and the People’s Self-Defense Forces. Later he revealed superb ability in managing the province Hamlet Evaluation System program and after conducting arduous training, transferring it to Vietnamese officials. During the final phase of his long tenure, Sergeant Robison assumed advisory responsibility for four more national programs, which he handled with undiluted efficiency. His work style was distinguished by sincerity, a high degree of savoir-faire, and articulate ease. He traveled far and wide in the province, and became an acknowledged authority on hamlet conditions. His unequalled competence and exemplary character earned him the deep respect of senior sector officials, particularly the Province Chief. Sergeant First Class Robison’s professional competence and outstanding achievements were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant Major

    Action Date:

    November 1986 – September 1987

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Sergeant Major Ray J. Robison (ASN: RA-19606180), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from November 1986 to September 1987 while serving as the Division Automation Sergeant Major, 9th Infantry Division (Motorized), Fort Lewis, Washington. Sergeant Major Robison was on the forefront of the Division’s convergence to Hewlett Packard systems and integrated Command Post reconfigurations. Through his professionalism, leadership, and technical expertise, the Division accomplished its conversion effort successfully. His exceptional abilities, keen foresight, and meticulous planning have kept the Division on the leading edge of technology. Sergeant Major Robison’s more than thirty years of outstanding service is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon him, this Command, and the United States Army.

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant First Class

    Action Date:

    March 5, 1968
    Headquarters, Military Assistance Command Vietnam, General Orders No. 1051 (April 27, 1968)

    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 Sergeant First Class Ray J. Robison (ASN: RA-19606180), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy. Sergeant First Class Robison distinguished himself by heroic action on 5 March 1968 while serving as a member of Advisory Team 22, United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. On that date, Sergeant Robison was participating in an air assault in the Hon Da Giang Mountains. When a helicopter flown by a pilot of the 61st Aviation Company crashed and capsized, Sergeant Robison, with complete disregard for his personal safety leaped from the still hovering lead aircraft in which he was riding and after a drop of some 10 to 12 feet ran to the site of the crash. With utter disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant Robison proceeded to pull the pilot and co-pilot from the aircraft, then moved them to a safe area from which they were further evacuated by helicopter to a medical facility. At the time of rescue, gasoline had saturated the area and the aircraft was in imminent danger of exploding. As a direct result of his exceptional courage and unhesitating actions, at great risk, the lives of two men were saved from probable death. Sergeant First Class Robison’s heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant First Class

    Action Date:

    January 30 – 31, 1968
    Headquarters, Military Assistance Command Vietnam, General Orders No. 926 (April 17, 1968)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Sergeant First Class Ray J. Robison (ASN: RA-19606180), United States Army, for heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force. Sergeant First Class Robison distinguished himself by heroic action during the period 30 to 31 January 1968 while serving as Enlisted Advisor to the 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, 22d Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. During this period, Sergeant Robison accompanied the battalion command post and two companies on an airlift to relieve the city of Qui Nhon which was under attack by a large enemy force. Sergeant Robison personally reconnoitered possible positions for recoilless rifle and automatic weapons fire to effectively engage the enemy. Without regard for his personal safety, Sergeant Robison moved along tops of buildings to best observe and coordinate the employment of weapons. When an American soldier was critically wounded, Sergeant Robison, though exposed to intense fire, safely evacuated the man by lowering him to the street below. The following day, Sergeant Robison accompanied the search element of two platoons into the village. This element soon engaged the enemy and a day long fire fight commenced. During one phase of the fire fight several wounded men were left in an exposed area. Sergeant Robison, realizing that no other support was available, joined a relief party and, by employing his carbine, protected the evacuation of the wounded. Sergeant First Class Robison’s heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.