SILVER STAR MEDAL to GUNNERY SERGEANT ROBERT NAHINU HOLT UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS For service as set forth in the following CITATION: FOR THE
PRESIDENT V. H. KRULAK LIEUTENANT
GENERAL, U. S. MARINE CORPS COMMANDING
GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting
the
For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Platoon
Commander with Company L, Third Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine
Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of
Vietnam. On 21 August 1967, upon learning that a convoy and advance
elements of a company relief column had been ambushed along Route 9 south
of Thon Son Lam, Gunner Sergeant Holt organized the remainder of the
company within the battalion perimeter and immediately deployed to aid the
beleaguered Marines. Upon reaching the rear elements of the engaged Third
Platoon, he was briefed on the tactical situation. Skillfully directing his
forces through the continuing enemy fire, he advanced to the surrounded
company command group, encountering increased resistance as the enemy
employed rocket propelled grenade launchers, recoilless rifles and mortars.
Although wounded in the neck and leg in the initial contact, Gunnery
Sergeant Holt completely disregarded his own safety and welfare as he
administered first aid to his wounded radio operator. Then, courageously,
exposing himself to the heavy enemy fire, he crawled 100 meters across open
terrain to direct his men’s fire. Upon gaining fire superiority, Gunnery
Sergeant Holt skillfully maneuvered his men forward through intermittent
enemy fire until the reached the command group. Immediately organizing his
men into a defensive perimeter, he provided protection as the command group
moved to a more advantageous position. Despite his painful wounds, he
refused medical treatment until after he had led his men back to the
battalion area at the conclusion of the day’s action. As a result of his
courageous leadership and composure under fire, he was able to consolidate
the company’s elements and undoubtedly prevented the enemy form overrunning
the command group’s position. By his braver, inspiring leadership and
selfless devotion to duty, Gunnery Sergeant Holt upheld the highest
traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
