Robert B. Cairns

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Field Artillery) Robert B. Cairns (ASN: 531384760), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Major Cairns distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 4 November 1969, while serving as Battalion Executive Officer during an enemy attack on Fire Base Buttons, Republic of Vietnam. When the landing zone came under attack from a large enemy force, Major Cairns led a stretcher team to a bunker that had been destroyed by enemy fire. After assisting in carrying the wounded from the bunker to the aid station, he ran to a lightly defended section of the perimeter and encouraged the men on the berm, resupplying ammunition and firing on enemy positions. He then moved to another damaged bunker and assisted in carrying another wounded man to the aid station. His gallant action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, Department of the Army, General Orders No. 230 (January 4, 1970)