Robert C. Sanders

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Robert C. Sanders (0-59272), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Leader of Company B, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 27 April 1951, near Uijongbu, Korea, a furious bayonet charge opened a gap in the enemy troops which had surrounded Company B, on Hill 476. When Lieutenant Sanders was ordered to move his platoon through the breach in the enemy lines, he directed his platoon sergeant to lead the unit, while he remained behind to cover the withdrawal. After his troops had made their way out of the encirclement, Lieutenant Sanders, under vicious enemy fire, began to follow the route of withdrawal, when he discovered a seriously wounded soldier who could not walk. Unable to obtain a litter, Lieutenant Sanders lifted the man and carried him through the embattled area to where first aid could be administered. The gallantry and selfless concern for the safety of a fellow soldier displayed by Lieutenant Sanders reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service.