Robert J. Hartman

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 Robert J. Hartman, Sergeant, United States Army. For gallantry in action against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Hartman distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 16 October 1969 while serving as an Acting Platoon Leader with Company B, 3d Battalion, 1st Infantry. On that date, Sergeant Hartman’s platoon was about to leave its night defensive position near Thach Nham when it came under intense enemy fire. Taking immediate action, Sergeant Hartman organized his men and directed effective retaliatory fire on the enemy emplacements. Realizing that one strategically located hostile position would have to be eliminated in order to gain fire superiority, Sergeant Hartman organized and led a small squad toward the objective. Upon reaching an open area, Sergeant Hartman instructed his men to provide covering fire as he rushed across a wide expanse of terrain to a position on the flank of the enemy emplacement. Despite the intense hostile barrage directed against him, Sergeant Hartman began placing devastating volumes of suppressive fire on the insurgents, forcing them to abandon the emplacement. He then consolidated his position and directed heavy fire on the remaining insurgents. His timely and courageous actions were highly instrumental in thwarting the enemy attack. Sergeant Hartman’s personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflect great credit upon himself, the American Division, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, Americal Division, General Orders No. 599 (16 January 1970)