Robert W. Grove’s Silver Star citation
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
ESTABLISHED BY AN ACT OF CONGRESS 9 JULY 1918 (AMENDED BY ACT OF 25 JULY 1963) AND AWARDED BY THE
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
SILVER STAR MEDAL
PRESENTED TO
GUNNERY SERGEANT ROBERT WOODROW GROVE
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Gunnery Sergeant Robert Woodrow Grove (MCSN: 306455), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Light Weapons Infantry Advisor with the United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, during operations against the enemy near Tu Thuan Village, Quang Ngai Province, Vietnam, on 16 February 1965. Sergeant Grove was accompanying three companies of Vietnamese trainees on a march from their training center to a firing range when Viet Cong snipers began firing on one of the companies. The enemy fire increased until it was apparent that a Viet Cong platoon was firing from positions in a nearby hamlet. Thereupon the commander in charge of the friendly troops committed the reserve company to the action. Sergeant Grove went forward with this element, advising and assisting its leaders in the employment of the platoons in maneuvering toward the enemy position, exhibiting conspicuous bravery in exposing himself to the heavy fire of the enemy unit. Disregarding his own safety, he moved to an automatic weapon position and directed effective fire upon the enemy positions until he was mortally wounded. His heroic actions encouraged aggressiveness and bravery in the young troops with whom he served and the Vietnamese trainees, inspired by his courageous example, pursued the Viet Cong and successfully routed them from their prepared positions. Sergeant Grove’s calm and competent actions under hostile fire reflect great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Born: 1 March 1917 in Spencer, Tenn…. Also served during World War II, where he was awarded the Navy Cross at Cape Gloucester, and Korea… Served 20 years and reached the rank of gunnery sergeant… Interred: Drake Cemetery in Van Buren county, Tenn.