The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant First Class Richard P. Switala (ASN: RA-16307211), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 2 September 1950, in the vicinity of Yongsan, Korea. On that date his company, with tank support, was attacking the enemy-held town of Yongsan in an attempt to secure it and three nearby strategic hills. During the attack his Platoon Leader was blinded by the muzzle blast of one of the tanks. Sergeant Switala, a squad leader, immediately assumed command of the platoon, rallied the men and led them forward. As a result of his actions the town was captured with a minimum of casualties. Gathering together men separated from their own companies, Sergeant Switala merged them with his own men and began the assault of the three hills. Vicious enemy machine gun fire pinned down the platoon. Sergeant Switala, With complete disregard tor his personal safety, completely exposed himself to deliver deadly accurate rifle fire into the enemy position, thereby silencing the weapon. Ordering his men to encircle the hill, he directed the continued assault on the objective so effectively that friendly casualties were kept to a minimum while numerous casualties were inflicted on the enemy. Sergeant Switala’s devotion to duty, leadership, initiative and courageous actions reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.