The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Richard A. Poe (MCSN: 0-15581), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company C, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands on 10 June 1945. Displaying outstanding courage and leadership Captain Poe led his company in an assault against a series of strong emplacements on a hill constituting one of the major enemy defensive positions in that area and despite intense enemy resistance and heavy casualties during the attack, personally led several small units in the destruction by grenades of two Japanese machine gun positions which were impeding his company’s advance. Later organizing and directing his defenses he exposed himself to all types of enemy fire until he was seriously wounded. His determination and devotion to duty were in keeping with the United States Naval Service.