The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Richard E. Harris (MCSN: 343400), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Section Leder in a Machine Gun Platoon of Company D, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 26 September 1950. Although subjected to intense enemy small arms, mortar and machine gun fire during a vicious attack by a numerically superior hostile force, Sergeant Harris moved his machine gun to an exposed position to direct accurate and devastating fire on the enemy. Steadfastly refusing to take cover, he remained in this position until he fell, mortally wounded. By his outstanding courage, valiant fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of heavy odds, Sergeant Harris contributed directly to the successful repulse of the hostile assault and thereby upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.