01 Jan 2006 Bob was one of a kind - he was a unique person, you had to know him. He would give you the shirt off his back and anything else you would need. He was the type of man who will always be remembered for his leadership and personality. He gave up his life for others to go on. He will never be forgotten for all he did for his men. From a friend. E-mail address is not available.

 

13 Jan 2007 I was HM3 ("Doc") Chuck Hancock. That patrol was my first baptism of fire. When I got to Bob he was deep in shock. I didn't think he'd survive the medevac. I think the round that got him hit his abdominal aorta and he bled out. Yes. That was obvious. Other than the battle dressing, there was nothing I could do. Charles V. Hancock yodoc71@aol.com

 

A Note from The Virtual Wall The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the SILVER STAR posthumously to ROBERT P. MARSDEN Corporal United States Marine Corps for service as set forth in the following CITATION: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company K, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 20 January 1971, Corporal Marsdenï¿ 1/2 s squad was pinned down by intense enemy fire from North Vietnamese Army soldiers occupying well-concealed emplacements in a tree line. Observing two wounded Marines fall in dangerous proximity to the enemy positions, Corporal Marsden unhesitatingly left his relative secure location behind a rice paddy dike and, with complete disregard for his own safety, ran across the hazardous terrain to the side of his companions. Using his own body as a shield for his comrades, he delivered intense fire into the tree line then, seemingly oblivious to the rounds impacting around him, he fearlessly dragged one of the stricken men to a covered location. Aware that the hostile fire had greatly increased, Corporal Marsden directed two of his fire teams to provide covering fire while a third executed an encircling movement around the tree line. However, realizing the dangerous position in which the second wounded man lay, he elected to rush to his aid before the maneuver was completed, but, when halfway to his objective, was seriously wounded by an enemy round. Resolutely determined to save his fellow Marine, he fought desperately to remain alert and, despite suffering extreme pain and loss of blood, continued to crawl toward his comrade until he succumbed to his wounds, just short of reaching the casualty. By his indomitable courage, selfless concern for his fellowman, an unfaltering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Corporal Marsden inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country. FOR THE PRESIDENT, WILLIAM K. JONES Lieutenant General, U. S. Marine Corps Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific

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