The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Richard J. Carpiaux (MCSN: 837008), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Fire Team Leader, serving with Company A, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa Shima, Ryukyu Islands, 2 April 1945. When the advance of his company was halted by a large volume of fire from a hostile machine gun situated on high ground near by, Private First Class Carpiaux courageously led a charge against the enemy position. The first to reach the hostile stronghold, he unhesitatingly risked his life to enter and succeeded in killing three of the Japanese before he himself was fatally wounded. By his superb initiative, dauntless fighting spirit and zealous devotion to duty, Private First Class Carpiaux contributed materially to the annihilation of the enemy position and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.