NATIONAL PERSONNEL RICORDS CENTER

1 ARC!il'v'r:; l>RIVF )T [(',llJS lv\O (,3138-JOP

February 1, 2018

DAN LAMOTHE
WASHINGTON POST

RE: Veteran's Name: MUELLER, Robert

SSN/SN:
Request Number: 2-21320131685

Dear Recipient:

Thank you for contacting the National Personnel Records Center. We are providing the
releasable military service information based on restrictions imposed by the military services
consistent with Department of Defense regulations and the provisions of the Freedom of
Information Act and the Privacy Act of 1974. Releasable information has been transcribed,
photocopied, or a combination of both, in order to comply with your request.

If additional information is needed, the Privacy Act of 1974 requires the written consent
(signature) of the individual to whom the record pertains. If the individual is deceased, we must
have the written consent of the next of kin and proof of death. The next of kin is defined as:
unremarried widow or widower, son, daughter, father, mother, brother or sister.

If you have any questions or comments regarding this response, you can reach Rita Cann by
phone at 314-801-0514 or by mail at the address shown in the letterhead above, ATTN: AFN-
MC2D, Room 200. If you contact us, please reference the Request Number listed above.

Sincerely,

~1J!~
fefl. KEVIN PRATT
We Value Our
:~Veterans' Privacy
Assistant Director ,·Let us k11ow if we lwve
failed to protect it.

Enclosure(s)
 CHRONOLOGICAL RECORD (1070)

UNIT /ORGANIZATION PRIMARY DUTY REMARKS

MCRFAA KSC INACTIVE JD750409

MCRFAC, KSC 760711 TO 760723 ASG ATD TO
CO, Nav Justice School, Newport,
RI Naval Justice Course

MCRFAC 7904~8-TERM MTU CA-15

EMBOSSED PLATE IMPRESSION

I MUELLER ROBERT SWAN

NAME (LUii fFlrll) fMlddlol

NAVMC 111(31 fR!V. 6-741 , . _ . , _ all edltiono ot NAV 123 (21 and All P - 1 edltlona U/1: SH SH: 0000-00-000- tll03
of NA\IMC 111 (31 - h are ob.-. and will not be u-1
 CHRONOLOGICAL RECORD OF OUT\. JIGNMENTS
PERIOD
UNIT OR ORGANIZATION PRfMARY DUTIES ADDITIONAL DUTIES
FROM TO

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---- -

-----

NAME (Last) (First) (Middle)

lv'IT!ti'.1 .·1.::<'R Rn hprr q~. TTT IClil. .

NAVMC 123 (2)-PD '(, U. 5. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, 1950-0-343023

\~- -- --~-- -·-~-----

 INFORMATION RELEASABLE UNDER THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT
NAME:
ROBERT SWAN MUELLER I I I
BRANCH OF SERVICE AND SERIAL/SERVICE NUMBER(S):
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS AND USMC RESERVES/ 2317837
DATES OF SERVICE:
AUGUST 30, 1966 TO JUNE 18 I 1980
ACTIVE DUTY DATES: USMCR NOVEMBER 20, 1967 TO FEBRUARY 1, 1968.
ACTIVE DUTY USMC: FEBRUARY 2,1968 TO AUGUST 28, 1970.

DUTY STATUS:
RESIGNED
RANK/GRADE:
CAPTAIN
SALARY:
N/A
SOURCE OF COMMISSION:
OFFICER CANDIDATE SCHOOL
PROMOTION SEQUENCE NUMBER:
N/A
ASSIGNMENTS AND GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATIONS:
ENCLOSED

MILITARY EDUCATION:
OFFICER CANDIDATE SCHOOL;RANGER COURSE;AIRBORNE COURSE.

DECORATIONS AND AWARDS:

ENCLOSED

TRANSCRIPT OF COURT-MARTIAL TRIAL:

NOT ON FILE
PHOTOGRAPH:
ENCLOSED
PLACE OF ENTRY:
PHILADELPHIA, PA
PLACE OF SEPARATION:
ARLINGTON, VA

FOR DECEASED VETERAN ONLY

PLACE OF BIRTH

DATE OF DEATH

LOCATION OF DEATH

PLACE OF BURIAL

NOTE: N/A denotes information is not available in the veteran's records

NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION NA FORM 13164 (Rev. 02-02)

DECO RA TIO NS AND AW ARDS:
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
PURPLE HEART
BRONZE STAR MEDAL WITH COMBAT "V" DEVICE
COMBAT ACTION RIBBON
NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL
NA VY COMMENDATION MEDAL WITH COMBAT "V" DEVICE AND I GOLD STAR
VIETNAM SERVICE MEDAL WITH 4 BRONZE SERVICE STARS
MARINE CORPS MARKSMAN RIFLE BADGE
MARINE CORPS EXPERT PISTOL BADGE
REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH 1960 DEVICE
REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM GALLANTRY CROSS WITH BRONZE STAR
REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM CIVIL ACTIONS MEDAL
MARINE CORPS HONORABLE DISCHARGE BUTTON
MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION RIBBON
**********NOTHING FOLLOWS**********
 RECORD OF SERVICE
PROFICIENCY
ORGANIZATION DATE REASON PRIMARY DllTY
I
GENERAL
Ml LI TARY
SUBJECTS
I
!
DUTY
CON.
DUCT
51GNil.TURE
MARl(ING OFFICfH
/,,..., ....--
OF

RES O:FF CANDS I

MCS. Q.UANT. VA@ 30Aug66 Enl/Jd. Inactive
RES OFF CANDS'
MCS. QUl\.NT. VA. 19Nov67 Tr Il-1a.ct1 ve

OCS MCS. QUANT. VP. .20Nov67 Jd At::1.a EAD

OCS. MCS. QUANT. V~ - 01Feb68 D'l;:i L__QQC

1 j i ' I / ~
I I
I I I
I I I
II
!I I
' i

I
I

EMBOSSED PLATE IMPRESSION

I
NAME (Lai I) (Widdle) I. SERVICE NO.

HAVMC 118(3)-PD (Rev. 6-62) ~llPFRSEDES PREVIOUS EDITION WHICH \I/ILL BE USED
! .,,':\
 The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
BRONZE STAR MEDAL to

SECOND LIEUTENANT ROBERT SWAN MUELLER III

[JNJTED STATES MARE"iE CORPS RESERVE

for service as set forth in the following

CJTATIO]\T:

"For heroic achievement in connection with operations against

the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam while serving as a Platoon Commander with
Company H, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, Third Marine Division. On 11
December 1968, Second Lieutenant Mueller's platoon was the lead element tn a
company size combat patrol being conducted in the Mutter's Ridge area of Q'/C'ng
Tri Province when the Marines came under a heavy volume of small arms, automaric
weapons, and grenade launcher fire from a North Vietnamese Army compm:y ::nd
sustained numerous casualties. Quickly esrablishing a defensive perimeter, Sa:.Jud
Lieutenant Mueller fearlessly moved from one position to another, directing the
accurate counterfire of his men and shouting words of encouragement to them. Wi!lz
complete disregard for his uwn safety, he then skillfully supervised the evacuatio11 of
casualties from the hazardous area and, on one occasion, personally led a fire t..:am
across the fire-swept terrain to recover a mortally wounded Marine who had falle.'z in
a position forward of the friendly. lines. Second Lieutenant Mueller's courage,
aggressive initiative and umvavering devotion to duty at great personal risk were
instrumental in the defeat of the enemy force and were in keeping with the highest
traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service."

Second Lieutenant Mueller is authorized to wear the Combat "V".

FOR THE PRESIDENT,

rY. C..J ~~ ((I.

H. W. BUSE, JR.
LIEUTENANT GENERAL, U. S. MARINE CORPS
COMMANDING GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC
 T.:?C

service ::,-; sc 1 ,,, l}'i T..".?

H,

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l·Vith

1n
o c" bsei J·'ec/
f~cd S'itete.~

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·, _:._:.
 The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in presenting a gold star in lieu
of the second NA VY COiYJMENDATJON MEDAL to

FIRST LIEUTENANT ROBERTS. MUELLER III

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

"For meritorious service while serving in various capacities with

the Third Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy
in the Republic of Vietnam from 17 November 1968 to 5 November 1969.
Throughout this period, First Lieutenant Mueller performed his duties in an
exemplary and highly professional manner. Initially assigned as a Platoon
Commander with Company H, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, he participated in
numerous major cornbat operations in the ]\Torthern I Corps Tactical Zone and
repeatedly distinguished himself by his courage and composure under fire as he
aggressively maneuvered his platoon into aC:vantageous positions from which to
direct offensives against enemy forces. Reassigned as Aide-de-Camp to the
Commanding General on 17 May 1969, First Lieutenant Mueller tirelessly
monitored the general's schedule of daily activities and provided maxirnwn
assistance in many areas, thereby enabling the commanding general to concentrate
hfs full time and attention to nwre important matters of command. His diplomatic
1J.nd congenial manner dw7ng frequent contacts with Vietnamese civilian and
military officials cmitributed significantly to the rapport enjoyed by the
commanding general and his staff with the local populace and materially enhanced
the Marine Corps' image in Quang Tri Province. By his diligence, superb
professionalism, and loyal devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Mueller earned the
rcsJJect of all who served with him and upheld the finest traditions of the JVlarine
Corps and of the United Swtes Naval Service."

Tf1e Combat _!)istinguishing Device is authorized.

FOR THE SECRETARY OF THE NA VY,

I 4 ~
4: c.~ / 17~~- Lr
I!
I
·-
H. IY. BUSE, JR.
LIEUTENANT GENERAL, U S MARB'lE COR' S
COi'vlMANDING GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE, ' 'JFJC
i"'
I
!
-1' if
 Se, re :CJJ' of the
_[ ro

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---'-'- / _j__ ,
 The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in presenting a gold star in lieu
of the second NA VY COMMENDATION MEDAL to

FIRST LIEUTENANT ROBERTS. MUELLER III

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

"For meritorious service while serving in various capacities with '

the Third Marine Division in connection ·with combat operations against the enemy j
in the Republic of Vietnam from 17 November 1968 to 5 November 1969.
Throughout this period, First Lieutenant Mueller pe1fonned his duties in an
exemplary and highly professional manner. Initially assigned as a Platoon
Commander with Company H, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, he participated in
numerous major combat operations in the Northern I Corps Tactical Zone and
repeatedly distinguished himself by his courage and composure under fire as he
aggressively maneuv?rcd his platoon into advantageous positions from which to
direct offensives against enrn:y forces. Reassigned as Aide-de-Camp to the
Commanding General on 17 May 1969, First Lieutenant Mueller tirelessly
monitored the general's schedule of daily activities and provided maximum
assistance in many areas, thereby enabling the commanding general to concentrate
his full time and attention to more important matters of comniand. His diplomatic
and congenial manner during frequent contacts with 'Vietnamese civilian and
military officials contributed significantly to the rapport enjoyed by the
commanding general and his staff with the local populace and rnaterially enhanced
the Marine Corps' image in Quang Tri Province. By his diligence, superb
pr:J/essionalism, and loyal devotion to dury, First Lieutenant Mueller earned the
;·p0pect of all vvho sened with him and upheld the finest traditions of the Marine
Corps and of the United States l\Ta11al Service."

The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.

FOR THE SECRETARY OF THE l'./AVY,

· 4:0~~
/?r .r
H. W. BUSE,
LIEUTENANT GENERAL, U. S. MARINE CO S
COlr11l1AND!JVG GEl\'ERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE, .Ii 'JFJC
 The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
BRONZE STAR MEDAL to

SECOND LIEUTENANT ROBERT SWAN MUELLER III

it
'I
!1
li UNITED STATES MAR!lv-E CORPS RESERVE
if
!1'I
for service as set forth in the following
l,[
i1
l! CITATION:
ii
l
~ "For heroic achievement in connection with operations against
~
the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam while serving as a Platoon Commander with
Company H, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, Third Marine Division. On 11
December 1968, Second Lieutenant lviueller's platoon vvas the lead element in a
-company size combat patrol being conducted in the Mutter's Ridge area of Quang
Tri Proi,ince when the li1arines came under a heavy volume of small arms, autonwtic
weapons, and grenade launcher fire from a North Vietnamese Anny company and
sustained numerous casualties. Quickly establishing a defensive perimeter, Second
I'
Lieutenant Mueller fea;-Zessly moved from one position to another, directing the
accurate counterfi.re of his men and shouting H'ords of encouragement to them. With
complete disregard for his own safety, he then skillfully supervised the evacuation of
casualties from the hazardous area and, on one occasion, personally led a fire team
across the fire-swept terrain to recover a mortally wounded Marine who had fallen in
a position forivard of the friendly lines. Second Lieutenant Mueller's courage,
aggressive initiarive and unwavering devotion to duty at great personal risk were
instrumental in the defeat of the enemy force and were in keeping with the highest
traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service."

Second Lieutenant Mueller is authorized to wear the Combat "V".

FOR THE PRESIDENT,

. ~0~e_~
H. W. BUSE, JR.
.
LIEUTENANT GENERAL, U.S. MARINE CORPS .
COMMANDING GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC
 ' ::;1~;"~~~jf;;; ... :.~· _c- ~~\:/__"~~?:_;./-~-- . .
~­
. -··....·Thf.~-pf¢dmt of_ in pres en ting the
.5.:..::;:;e'-c';_,.;,_·:·~_,' "·
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BRONZK$:'[~fe?!J:EDAL to ,
~~·-~?;~~\, - ... ::::- ~~_!f:$-coNJrlllEUTiii:Af.ffRCOBEIJ,T~SWA1vji1UELLER Ill
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'"FOi'· kerolt:' achievement in coonectfon·with operations agaM.s t
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. .. ._ .;·<:. . . -··

· -· the ene_ifi£ ___ fipR~pim_~~~filf.efntlin.wlftB1~,se_nmgt#£ZPiatoon Commander w~th

Compan:fti;};~eond BUtti!Jiton~- Foun!i Marliiesi· Ti~ril "!Jarine Division. im 11
Decemper:tg68~ .$econif Lieutemnl Mlieller's :~tOO.~ l:oiu the lead elemi;wm a
company,ijze.'t:ombatpatrol belng.con~cted iir.itheM~tter's.Ridge area of Q•1ang
-Trf Provi~c~~;when,-"t!le.MQrines came umler~tJ hea.'v'Y' volume of small arms, autvrr.uric
weapons; iiM-ireirade Ztlfmcher fire fn;nn a N0rth .viehU:i ineSe Army compar:-; :ind
,\~fained !IU-w,;iouscJi•ttes. Quickly esi{J.bMshing iE'J~fehsive perimeter, Secrmd
-- I)eutenaf!t;.''Jff~$,lle.r;.ff!iirtef,is:ly w«:Jwed:j'ro~t»fe ppsificm:_tg_another, directi,l5 rhe
- 7iccurate,.c,oiinf~rfl1'e ofhfS~menarulshouttng)vor'rJs·of#ncofir,agernent to thetr With
:• {qmplete,_dl$r£ittrJ.forhiS ownsafety,-_lie!h~~:skJU[ully~upervised the evacua1wn of
ca.hU:dtt~froi1'~1ii~-ho.zardoi&s and~ Di ~n~ Dfcasion~persona!ly Jed afire team area
a~/q~ the]i&,~w'.ept -t~rrain t-0 recovef: d mort~llywow:}JedMarine who had fallen in
-· .'r.r ·fapsition fq~rd of the- friendly /in.eS_. Se~OFJ.til.te:U{enant Mueller's courage,
aiili:esstve, 'liafi!~tfve. and_. W'IW6 verlng ~flon: to :d1ity' at~'grea t personal rls k. were

1
. ' ~~~'ZS't;J~i!j{;:.!'d:£'SJd';ffZ·:.:.f:tJ;~t:i7;::;!,w!.'h rhe 1Ughes1
; .~.• : tL > .··· e~p_·•.•_-.m.~-.~_:_·_·_·-·.f"f.fe_-_ut.·:-~{j~, :_ t.•_'._..Mue.·•.1.1..~r_-~.- .~_1!_·~.:_. ._:_·.· .~-·-_.~tlidn_-,zed_._·ro_ ',_·.- _·: .~:· - .·h-.:_. •. .-~.·- _- .•_.?1_·1_· ~. :'V".
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 --- --~-~--

The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in presenting the NA VY

COMMENDATION MEDAL to

FIRST LIEUTENANT ROBERTS. MUELLER III

UNITED STA TES MARINE CORPS RESER VE

I.I
for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

"For heroic achievement while serving as a Platoon Commander

~I
with Company H, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, Third Marine Division in
connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam.
On 22 April 1969, a squad-sized patrol from First Lieutenant Mueller's platoon was
heavily engaged by a large North Vietnamese Army force in the northern sector of
the I Corps Tactical Zone. Completely disregarding his own safety, First Lieutenant
Mueller led the remainder of his platoon in an attempt to relieve the beleaguered
squad. While approaching the designated area, the platoon came under a heavy
volume of enemy fire from its right flank. Skillfully requesting and directing
supporting Marine artillery fire on the enemy positions, First Lieutenant Mueller
ensured that fire superiority was gained over the hostile unit. Although seriously
'A'Ounded during the fire fight, he resolutely maintained his position and, ably
directing the fire of his platoon, was instrumental in defeating the North Vietnamese
Army force. By his courage, aggressive leadership and steadfast devotion to duty in
-the face of great peFsonal danger, First Lieutenant Mueller inspired all who observed
him and upheld the finest tradition_LQ{the Marine_C~nd-of the United States--_ _:____ --
----=----Naval servzci-12---~~-----~:::~>~----- --~- - - -·- · --- ----------------------------- ----- ;-

The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.

FOR THE SECRETARY OF THE NA VY,

r7'~0~0:\,
H W. BUSE, JR. .
LIEUTENANT GENERAL, U. S. MARINE CORP
COMMANDING GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC

=====;:.__. __ --- ,.:;_:.;: .:.: :.:.:.:;:;:. .: . _-;:- _- _ -·-------- ·---------- -------- ------··- --------- ----

lxER0--\
.l 2oPY,
rv"T'"TEP·
!::J..J_
~ I\..; J - ) Robert Swan III
~,