Robert was born on the 24th of January, 1928, in Washington DC. He grew up with two younger brothers and a sister and went to St John's College High School. He and the middle brother joined the US Army shortly after Robert graduated high school in 1946 and he was stationed in Japan as part of the US occupation. Robert's brother, Francis Jerome, was also sent to Japan, albeit later, and both brothers parachuted into Korea in September of 1950. Robert was with the 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division when his actions, just six days after his 23rd birthday, would earn him the Medal of Honor. The citation reads:

1st Lt. McGovern, a member of Company A, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty in action against an armed enemy of the United Nations. As 1st Lt. McGovern led his platoon up a slope to engage hostile troops entrenched in bunker-type pillboxes with connecting trenches, the unit came under heavy machine gun and rifle fire from the crest of the hill, approximately 75 yards distant. Despite a wound sustained in this initial burst of withering fire, 1st Lt. McGovern, assured the men of his ability to continue on and urged them forward. Forging up the rocky incline, he fearlessly led the platoon to within several yards of its objective when the ruthless foe threw and rolled a vicious barrage of hand grenades on the group and halted the advance. Enemy fire increased in volume and intensity and 1st Lt. McGovern realizing that casualties were rapidly increasing and the morale of his men badly shaken, hurled back several grenades before they exploded. Then, disregarding his painful wound and weakened condition he charged a machine gun emplacement which was raking his position with flanking fire. When he was within 10 yards of the position a burst of fire ripped the carbine from his hands, but, undaunted, he continued his lone-man assault and, firing his pistol and throwing grenades, killed 7 hostile soldiers before falling mortally wounded in front of the gun he had silenced. 1st Lt. McGovern's incredible display of valor imbued his men with indomitable resolution to avenge his death. Fixing bayonets and throwing grenades, they charged with such ferocity that hostile positions were overrun and the enemy routed from the hill. The inspirational leadership, unflinching courage, and intrepid actions of 1st Lt. McGovern reflected utmost glory on himself and the honored tradition of the military services.

Robert's men carried him down Hill 312 after his final act. His brother was not aware of his death just 15 miles away and eleven days later, he was also killed in action, leading his platoon in an assault on the dug in Chinese troops. Their father received the news of Robert first and the news of Jerome at the time was that he was missing in action. By November, their father, Halsey, had received the news that Jerome had died and both brothers were returned to the States. Their funeral had hundreds of people in attendance and the two flag draped coffins were escorted by a military honor guard to Arlington Nation Cemetery.

Two months later, the Army nominated Robert for the Medal of Honor. Halsey declined this honor for his son saying, “I don't think Truman is worthy to confer honors on my boys, or anyone's boys”, since President Truman had failed to make full war effort behind the US troops in Korea. Jerome had also been awarded the Silver Star, which his father also declined. Members of Congress had offered to present the medals in place of the President but Halsey said that the case was closed. For more than 30 years, he never moved on this position. He did acknowledge Robert's Medal of Honor citation and wrote to relatives saying that it would make them proud of Robert and all of the others that died in Korea. Seven years after their father's death, Robert's remaining siblings asked the Army to issue the medals for both Robert and Jerome. Robert's Medal of Honor and Jerome's Silver Star were presented to St John's College High School in 1990. Robert Milton McGovern is buried in Arlington National Cemetery, next to his brother Francis Jerome McGovern: Section 3, Lot 1312-C. On their headstone are words written by their father: “To their conscience they were true And had the genius to be men”.