Robert Woodrow Grove

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Robert Woodrow Grove (306455), Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty while serving as a Machine Gunner in Company I, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces at Cape Gloucester, New Britain, on 27 December 1943. When a numerically superior enemy force attacked the positions of his company and succeeded in penetrating the lines, Corporal Grove courageously led a squad of men to the point of the break-through and, armed with his own sub-machine gun and that of one of his casualties, fearlessly charged a light and heavy Japanese machine gun, destroying or wounding the crews of both and capturing the valuable weapons. Corporal Grove’s valiant conduct and inspiring leadership contributed materially to the success of our forces in repulsing the hostile attack and re-establishing the lines and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD, Commander, 7th Fleet: Serial 0689 (SofN Signed September 30, 1944)

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Robert Woodrow Grove (306455), Gunnery Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Advisor, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on February 16, 1965. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Gunnery Sergeant Grove upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.