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 Richard J. Geissler (ASN: RA-12329085), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Tank Company, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 28 November 1950 in the vicinity of Kunu-ri, Korea. The tank of which Corporal Geissler was a crew member was supporting the withdrawal of a rifle battalion. In order to delay the enemy and to relieve the heavy pressure from the infantry, Corporal Geissler voluntarily remained behind. Exposing himself fearlessly to man the turret mounted .50 caliber machine gun, he raked the advancing enemy troops, inflicting heavy casualties upon them. When last observed by his comrades, Corporal Geissler was still firing into the enemy as they closed in on his position. His intrepid delaying action enabled the infantry to reorganize in new defensive positions. The gallantry displayed by Corporal Geissler reflects the highest great upon himself is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.



