Robert L. Dean

2nd Lieutenant, U. S. Marine Corps

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Commanding General, 4th Marine Division: Serial 14148
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Robert L. Dean (MCSN: 0-41808), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader of Company C, Second Battalion, Twenty-third Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 8 March 1945.
While his company was defending a vital sector of the Battalion front during a heavy enemy counterattack, Second Lieutenant Dean constantly exposed himself to intense mortar and rifle fire to coordinate the efforts of his platoon. Although painfully wounded in the head and eye while going to the aid of a wounded member of his unit, he remained in command of his platoon throughout the night and, by skillfully conducting the defense of his position despite intense hostile fire, contributed materially to the success of his platoon in repulsing the counterattack and in annihilating a number of the Japanese totaling twice the strength of his platoon. His courageous leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and staunch devotion to duty reflect the highest credit on Second Lieutenant Dean and the United States Naval Service.