Robert Gibson Tobin, Jr.
Captain, U.S. Marine Corps

On 28 October 1950, then-Second Lieutenant Robert Gibson Tobin, Jr. was attached to Battery F, Second Battalion, Eleventh Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), during operations against enemy aggressor forces near Kojo, Korea. On that day, the forward elements of the infantry company to which 2ndLt Tobin was attached as an artillery forward observer were temporarily overwhelmed by the enemy during a vicious night attack. 2ndLt Tobin quickly rallied the remaining men of the beleaguered units into a firm defensive position despite heavy, accurate enemy small-arms, grenade and automatic-weapons fire. Learning that casualties had been left in the fire-swept area in front of the position, 2ndLt Tobin called for covering fire and, aided by another man, moved forward into the intense enemy fire to locate and evacuate the wounded to safety. Upon determining that there were no additional casualties in the forward area, he moved to the rear through intense fire to obtain and guide needed medical aid to the casualties and arrange for their evacuation. 2ndLt Tobin's leadership and concern for his men contributed to the saving of many lives and served as an inspiration to all. 2ndLt Tobin's heroic efforts that day earned him the Silver Star Medal.

Medals and Awards

Silver Star Medal
Combat Action Ribbon
National Defense Service Medal
Korean Service Medal with Bronze Star
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation Medal
United Nations Service Medal
Republic of Korea War Service Medal

Silver Star Medal Citation

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Robert Gibson Tobin, Jr. (MCSN: 0-49643), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to Battery F, Second Battalion, Eleventh Marines, First Marine Division (Rein.), during operations against enemy aggressor forces near Kojo, Korea, on 28 October 1950. When the forward elements of the infantry company to which he was attached as an artillery forward observer were temporarily overwhelmed during a vicious enemy night attack, Second Lieutenant Tobin skillfully rallied the remaining men of the beleaguered units into a firm defensive position despite heavy and accurate enemy small-arms, grenade and automatic-weapons fire. Realizing that some casualties had been left in the fire-swept area in front of the position, he called for covering fire and, in the company of another man, unhesitatingly moved forward into the intense enemy fire to locate and evacuate the wounded to safety. After determining that there were no additional casualties in the forward area, he immediately moved to the rear through intense fire to obtain and guide needed medical aid to the casualties and arrange for their evacuation. By his daring initiative, cool leadership and grave concern for others at great risk to his own life, Second Lieutenant Tobin contributed to the saving of many lives and served as an inspiration to all who observed him. His forceful and determined leadership and heroic efforts throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Death and Inurnment

Captain Robert Gibson Tobin, Jr. died on 2 October 1998. He is inurned at the United States Naval Academy Cemetery in Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, MD, in Plot: 14-1-H.

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