The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Richard L. Hong (ASN: RA-10733966), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 3 September 1950 near Kuhe-ri, Korea, Private First Class Hong was in charge of a group of ten Republic of Korea soldiers who, together with 20 United States soldiers, were going to relieve a trapped patrol. En route the encountered a friendly roadblock which was under enemy attack. By skillfully deploying his men, Private First Class Hong directed effective fire on the enemy; when 11 more Republic of Korea soldiers arrived he integrated them into his team. After an all-day fire fight, he led the group forward in a successful counterattack on the numerically superior enemy force. Private First Class Hong’s gallant leadership and exemplary military ability are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.