The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Ensign Richard Marcinko, United States Navy, for meritorious service while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against the communist insurgent forces in the Republic of Vietnam, from 30 January to 10 June 1967. Ensign Marcinko distinguished himself by his sustained high performance of duty and leadership during combat patrols on the rivers and streams; and on reconnaissance, ambushes and other combat patrols ashore in the Mekong Delta, Republic of Vietnam. Ensign Marcinko participated in over nineteen of these combat patrols, engaging in action against the enemy on many occasions. While serving with SEAL Team TWO, Detachment Alfa, Ensign Marcinko, as Squad Leader, led his squad aggressively and confidently against the Viet Cong. One of his missions was termed “the most successful SEAL operation in the Delta.” Ensign Marcinko’s squad accounted for 18 Viet Cong killed, five more probably killed and two wounded, and the destruction of 19 sampans, seven motors and 14 bunkers. His squad also captured one AK-47 rifle, four CHICOM rifles, grenades, ammunition and valuable Viet Cong documents. The success he obtained paved the way for greater SEAL exploitation in Delta operations. Ensign Marcinko’s outstanding leadership, sense of responsibility and courage under fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Ensign Marcinko is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Richard Marcinko, United States Navy, for meritorious service in connection with operations against the enemy while serving in the Republic of Vietnam from 30 January to 2 February 1968. As Commander of the 8th Platoon, SEAL Team Detachment ALFA, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Marcinko, while leading a SEAL reconnaissance patrol near the Cambodian border, located a large Viet Cong unit, and on transmitting this information to the city of Chau Phu, was informed the city was under strong Viet Cong attack. He called PBR’s for rendezvous point and led the platoon 3,000 meters through enemy territory for extraction. On arrival at Chau Phu city, the situation was critical. Communications lines were flooded and confusion was rampant. The Viet Cong were throughout the city and friendly forces were tied down defending their remaining positions. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Marcinko separated his platoon into two units and led them ashore under enemy fire. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Marcinko directed his men in actions which resulted in freeing and evacuating six U.S. citizens and four Vietnamese government employees who were trapped in various parts of the city and assisted other friendly units in routing the Viet Cong from their strong points. At one time when a SEAL members was critically wounded, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Marcinko and two others fought three blocks distance to give assistance to the medical unit by securing a main corridor held by the enemy. Upon arrival of friendly troop reinforcements to the city, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Marcinko directed an aid station set up where the Platoon Corpsman treated military and civilian wounded alike. His valor under fire, devotion to duty and knowledge of the enemy were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Ensign Marcinko is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Ensign Richard Marcinko, United States Navy, for meritorious achievement while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against communist insurgents on Ilo Ilo Island, Republic of Vietnam. In the early morning of 18 May 1967, Ensign Marcinko led a seven-man United States Navy SEAL squad on an eleven and one-half hour reconnaissance mission of Ilo Ilo Island which is covered with dense foliage and muddy terrain. After two hours of laborious movement, a well-concealed, heavily booby trapped Viet Cong first-aid station was discovered. Ensign Marcinko directed his squad in the removal of these booby traps, fully utilizing safety precautions and quietness to avoid alerting the Viet Cong forces. Deploying his squad for maximum coverage, Ensign Marcinko approached the area where three medical huts, two bunkers and a cooking hut were located. Contact with the Viet Cong was then made resulting in five Viet Cong killed, one Viet Cong wounded and four CHICOM rifles captured. Numerous drugs, medical texts, personal notebooks, and documents were captured and cooking utensils, 20 kilos of rice and two sampans were destroyed. The ensuing ambulation to the extraction point was opposed by sniper fire which was ultimately suppressed by mortar fire from a Mike boat directed by Ensign Marcinko. Ensign Marcinko’s initiative, foresight, perseverance and courage under fire contributed significantly to the successful reconnaissance patrol without injury to his own forces and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Ensign Marcinko is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)