Robert K. Gillies

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL posthumously to

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman with Company B, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 21 April 1969, Petty Officer Gillies' platoon was conducting a search and destroy operation in Quang Nam Province when the Marines came under a heavy volume of small arms and automatic weapons fire from a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force occupying fortified emplacements and sustained several casualties. Disregarding his own safety, Petty Officer unhesitatingly left his covered position and fearlessly maneuvered across the hazardous area to the side of a wounded Marine who was lying in a position dangerously exposed to the intense enemy fire. Ignoring the hostile rounds impacting near him, he was skillfully administering first aid to the injured man when he was seriously wounded in the jaw. Despite his painful injuries, he steadfastly remained with his wounded comrade and resolutely continued to render effective medical treatment until his own injuries weakened him to the point of exhaustion. Although unable to speak, he calmly directed the efforts of two Marines in resuming the treatment of his patients, calmly showing them the proper items of equipment to utilize until Petty Officer Gillies succumbed to his wounds. By his courage, sincere concern for the welfare of his comrades and selfless devotion to duty, Petty Officer Gillies inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country."