Robert A. Skinner

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Robert A. Skinner, Staff Sergeant, United States Army. For gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: Staff Sergeant Skinner distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 25 August 1968 as a Special Forces advisor to two mobile strike force platoons during a reinforcing mission at Camp Duc Lap. His platoons’ mission was to assault the enemy-held saddle between two hills in the northern sector of the camp. Approaching its objective, the unit came under withering enemy fire and began to falter. Disregarding his safety, Sergeant Skinner fully exposed himself to the hail of bullets and began to move among his troops, urging them forward. As the attack continued, he saw two Americans pinned down by heavy fire near the objective area. He immediately tried to reach and assist them. Ignoring the withering fire, he quickly maneuvered across fifty meters of open terrain to aid one of the soldiers, but upon reaching the man found he was dead. Sergeant Skinner then attempted to move out of the area, but was wounded twice in his leg. Signaling his troops not to try to aid him, he directed their fire on the enemy positions instead. His display of courage inspired his men to place heavy fire on the North Vietnamese and enabled another unit to destroy the enemy from the flank. Staff Sergeant Skinner’s gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
By direction of the President under the provisions of the Act of Congress, approved 9 July 1918.