The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the
Navy Cross Medal (Posthumously) to
Captain Robert Walker Hubbard
United States Marine Corps
Citation:
For extraordinary heroism while serving as an Advisor to the Revolutionary Development Cadre, Thua Thien Province, in the City of Hue, Republic of Vietnam, from 31 January to 4 February 1968. On 31 January, while carrying out his advisory duties within the city of Hue, the quarters in which Captain Hubbard was temporarily residing, together with two military and two civilian personnel, came under intense enemy ground attack. Quickly assuming command, he organized a defense against the repeated assaults from the enemy forces and covered the front door along with two of his companions. Every attempt by the enemy to overrun their strongpoint was thwarted, until finally, after two of his group were seriously wounded, withdrawal was necessary. Quickly assessing the situation, he braved the intense enemy fire while searching for a covered route through which his group could withdraw. Despite the ever increasing enemy fire, he elected to cover the withdrawal of his unit and inflicted numerous casualties upon the enemy. During the ensuing days, the enemy maintained almost complete control of the city of Hue, and Captain Hubbard's group of men found it necessary to move from shelter to shelter to escape death or possible capture. Although acting in the capacity as a civilian advisor at the time of the Tet Offensive, Captain Hubbard's skill as a Marine infantry officer instantly surfaced during this crisis. He was constantly moving, administering to the wounded, foraging for food and water for his companions, searching for assistance from friendly forces, and returning deadly accurate fire on the enemy. On 4 February, with all food, water and ammunition depleted, he led the group, armed only with a single hand grenade, in an attempt to reach friendly forces south of the city. During this time he was hit and mortally wounded by small-arms fire. By his brilliant leadership, intrepid fighting spirit and exceptional fortitude, Captain Hubbard was largely responsible for the escape of his fellow Americans. His outstanding courage and valiant devotion to duty reflected the highest credit upon himself, the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
