Robert J. Leister

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Robert J. Leister (0-55820), Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), 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, from 26 to 30 March 1953. Serving as a Platoon Commander, Second Lieutenant Leister displayed outstanding courage, initiative and devotion to duty. When assigned the mission of reconnoitering and determining the enemy strength of a friendly combat outpost that had been overrun by hostile troops a few hours earlier, he expressed complete disregard for his personal safety and skillfully maneuvered his platoon to within fifty yards of the position. He proceeded to harass the enemy with grenades and sniper fire and when he received no further instructions from the main line of resistance, he, on his own initiative, decided to continue the harassment until daybreak. Throughout the remaining hours of darkness, he personally led small groups to within grenade range of the hostile position and directed such effective fire that the enemy could not prepare adequate defensive position. As daybreak approached, he skillfully withdrew the platoon to the main lines. Later in the morning, he was assigned the mission of counterattacking the same outpost, this time as an integral part of his company. Brought under murderous enemy fire during the advance, he fearlessly continued to move forward until relieved by another unit. Throughout the entire period, he exposed himself in order to offer advice and encouragement to the Marines. Second Lieutenant Leister’s gallant and courageous actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.