Robert D. Purcell

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Robert D. Purcell (0-55350), Second Lieutenant, 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, FMF, in Korea, on 31 January 1953. Serving as a Platoon Commander, Second Lieutenant Purcell displayed outstanding courage, initiative and devotion to duty. He commanded the base of fire during a platoon raid on an enemy hill position. As the assault proceeded, he opened his base of fire and directed it at the enemy positions resisting the advance. Although subjected to intense enemy fire throughout the action, he expressed complete disregard for his personal safety and maintained radio contact with the company in order to call accurate supporting arms fire. When the assault commander called for aid to evacuate a seriously wounded Marine, he unhesitatingly went to the advance element of the assault force where he dragged the casualty back to a defiladed position. After returning to his unit, he continued to direct accurate fire of all supporting arms and his own base of fire. He covered the return of the raiding force and was the last man to leave the objective area. Because of several stretcher cases and twenty walking casualties, the pace was extremely slow but he expertly controlled the rear guard throughout the entire withdrawal. Second Lieutenant Purcell’s gallant and courageous actions served as an inspiration to all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.