Robert L. Jadlow

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Robert L. Jadlow (0-87562), First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Company Executive Officer of Company B, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with operations against insurgent forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 12 May 1966 while moving to assist a beleaguered patrol, the Company became heavily engaged with a well-equipped and deeply entrenched Viet Cong Battalion near the village of Hoa Tay. Repeatedly exposing himself to the intense enemy machine gun, mortar, and recoilless rifle fire, First Lieutenant Jadlow succeeded in establishing an effective base of fire that enabled the Company to overrun two Viet Cong trench lines. Upon being notified by his Company Commander that reinforcements were being flown in to assist the Company, he personally supervised the collection of equipment and the dead and wounded for evacuation. As the helicopters landed, enemy fire intensified and one was shot down by recoilless rifle fire. Without hesitation, First Lieutenant Jadlow directed the removal of all personnel to a secure area. When the enemy was attempting to outflank the Company’s position, he again braved hostile fire to employ the 50 caliber machine guns from the downed helicopter in repulsing the enemy attack. Throughout the entire nine-hour encounter, First Lieutenant Jadlow’s inspiring leadership, bold courage, and professionalism were determining factors in the repelling and defeat of the numerically superior enemy force; thereby upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.