Service number 2099691

Silver Star

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Robert L. Ringler, Jr. (MCSN: 2099691), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Machine Gun Team Leader with Company I, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 17 December 1966. While serving as a gunner on a combat patrol, the platoon to which Corporal Ringler was attached came under intense enemy automatic weapons and sniper fire and was temporarily pinned down. With complete disregard for his own safety, he assaulted the enemy position, firing his machine gun from the hip. His lone assault routed the enemy from their positions and made it possible to continue the patrol. As the patrol continued, they were once again taken under withering automatic weapons fire from a large force of well-entrenched Viet Cong. He raced to the front of the column and boldly, with complete disregard for his personal safety, stood erect in the face of intense enemy fire and returned devastating fire upon the enemy. His bold initiative enabled the platoon to take up firing positions and bring their weapons to bear on the enemy. Still standing erect, Corporal Ringler continued to fire on the enemy until he was mortally wounded. By his intrepid fighting spirit, exceptional fortitude and gallant initiative, Corporal Ringler served to inspire all who observed him and contributed materially to the success of the unit in repelling the ambush. His great personal valor reflected the highest credit upon himself and enhanced the finest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Action Date: December 17, 1966

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Corporal

Company: Company I

Battalion: 3d Battalion

Regiment: 7th Marines

Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

Ringler, Robert Lewis, Jr., CPL