The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Richard A. Knaus (ASN: US-51574849), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Private First Class Knaus distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 27 December 1966, while serving as an assistant gunner in a howitzer section of Battery B, 2d Battalion, 19th Artillery Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, during a combat support mission in Binh Dinh Province, Republic of Vietnam. During a heavy attack by two battalions of North Vietnamese which was preceded by a violent mortar barrage, Private First Class Knaus and other members of his section continued to remain at their howitzer, firing directly into the onrushing enemy. When the numerically superior North Vietnamese force began to overrun Private First Class Knaus’ section, a command to withdraw to a safer position was given. At this time, a fellow member of the section and close friend of Private First Class Knaus jumped into the parapet and refused to evacuate the position. Private First Class Knaus immediately jumped into the parapet and attempted to get his friend to withdraw with the others. When the man still refused to leave the area, Private First Class Knaus, with complete disregard for his own safety, remained at the position and continued to protect both his friend and himself by placing a heavy volume of small arms fire on the enemy. After he had expended all of his ammunition, he threw himself on top of his comrade, sacrificing his own life in a final attempt to save the life of a fellow soldier. Private First Class Knaus’ gallant action stands in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Army.