Robert D. Deeds

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Robert D. Deeds (670763), Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Infantry Company of the FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in Korea, on 23 September 1950. While his company was advancing in the attack on Seoul, Korea, the right flank platoon was pinned down by intense enemy small arms and machine gun fire from strong enemy positions. Corporal Deeds, serving as a Fire Team Leader, observing that his platoon could not move forward far enough to return effective fire without suffering excessive casualties, fearlessly and courageously moved forward alone and with his rifle fire and hand grenades personally destroyed two emplacements. This action allowed his fire team to advance and with well-directed fire and grenades, the fire team destroyed the remaining enemy right flank positions, and materially assisted the platoon in regaining the fire superiority and successfully continuing the attack. Corporal Deeds’ display of initiative and heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.