Robert E. McIntire
Sergeant Major, U. S. Marine Corps
Silver Star
GENERAL ORDERS:
Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 43783
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Platoon Sergeant Robert E. McIntire (MCSN: 454856), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Tank Commander of Company C, Fifth Tank Battalion, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 20 March 1945.
While engaged in a fire fight forward of friendly lines, Platoon Sergeant McIntire noted that the tank of his Platoon Leader had been disabled by a land mine. Braving enemy hand grenades, small-arms and mortar fire, he instantly dismounted and attached a tow cable to the disabled tank.
Although his own tank was badly damaged by an electrically controlled land mine and both tanks hit by the fire of a flame-throwing tank, he continued his heroic efforts and returned both tanks and crews to safety without suffering any casualties. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.