Robert Victor Uhl

Sergeant, U. S. Marine Corps

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 35131 (October 11, 1945)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Robert V. Uhl (MCSN: 475234), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Acting Platoon Leader with an Assault Company in the FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the seizure of Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, 26 February to 14 March 1945.
Voluntarily taking command of the right platoon when his platoon leader took over the company command during a concentrated attack on strongly fortified Japanese positions, Sergeant Uhl fearlessly continued the determined assault, leading his men with furious aggressiveness against blazing machine gun and deadly sniper fire in an effort to break through the enemy's intricate defenses and, repeatedly exposing himself to the slashing fury of exploding shrapnel and bullets, accurately pointed out strategic targets vital to the enemy's organized opposition.
Undaunted by the unabating volume of devastating Japanese counterfire which exacted a heavy toll of casualties on 14 March, he relentlessly advanced his unit against stubborn and fanatic resistance until mortally wounded by a vicious burst of hostile fire.
A valiant leader, Sergeant Uhl by his courageous initiative, indomitable fighting spirit and persevering tactics in the face of overwhelming odds, contributed materially to the success of his company's operations in this area and his unwavering devotion to duty throughout a period of bitter conflict upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.