Robert S. Durham

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Robert S. Durham (1324098), Private First Class, 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 26 – 27 March 1953. Serving as an automatic rifleman, Private First Class Durham displayed outstanding courage, initiative, and devotion to duty. While advancing in a counterattack against a vital enemy-held outpost, the unit was subjected to intense hostile small arms, mortar and artillery fire. He was the first man to reach the intermediate objective and when the foe charged under the barrage, he courageously stood up and brought devastating fire to bear on them, accounting for ten enemy killed. As the action became more intense, he fearlessly continued to expose himself in order to deliver accurate fire and hurl grenades. When given the order to withdraw, he took up a position at the rear of the unit so as to cover the evacuation of the many casualties. Private First Class Durham’s gallant and courageous actions together with his indomitable spirit served as an inspiration to all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.