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 pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Richard Adrian Scholtes (ASN: 0-76793), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. On 6 September 1964, Captain Scholtes distinguished himself by gallantry In action while engaged in military operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Scholtes, Senior Advisor to the 7th Airborne Battalion, Army of the Republic of Vietnam, was accompanying the battalion command group when an adjacent column was taken under enemy fire. As he rushed to the head of the column with the battalion commander, the entire airborne battalion was taken under heavy fire by an estimated Viet Cong battalion, well-camouflaged and firing from prepared positions. Fighting beside his Vietnamese comrades, Captain Scholtes killed two onrushing Viet Cong as he accompanied the command group to safety. At great personal risk to his own life, he voluntarily returned to the fighting, and although wounded, marked the friendly front line positions and directed armed helicopter strikes which inflicted many casualties on the enemy. Giving sound tactical advice under extremely hazardous conditions, Captain Scholtes caused the rear company to be committed into the battle, thus stopping and subsequently repelling the Viet Cong attack. He then urgently arranged for medical evacuation, personally administered first aid to the wounded, and helped organize and supervise an effective defense. Captain Scholtes’ example of personal courage under extremely perilous conditions contributed immeasurably to the extrication of the battalion from a well-laid enemy ambush without the loss of a single weapon or soldier taken prisoner. Captain Scholtes’ conspicuous gallantry was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.