The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Richard L. Hagemann (MCSN: 2353171), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Patrol Leader with Company A, Third Reconnaissance Battalion, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 17 February 1969, Corporal Hagemann’s reconnaissance patrol was occupying a defensive position at First Support Base CUNNINGHAM in Quang Tri Province when the base received an intense barrage of enemy mortar fire supporting an attack by a large North Vietnamese Army force which, through the efforts of sappers, managed to penetrate a sector of the friendly defensive perimeter. Reacting instantly, Corporal Hagemann organized his men and met the advancing enemy with a devastating volume of fire. During the ensuing three-hour battle, he repeatedly exposed himself to hostile fire as he moved from one position to another, encouraging his Marines and distributing ammunition. Although the enemy advanced to within thirty-five meters of his position, Corporal Hagemann continued to move throughout the hazardous area, boldly firing his rifle and personally accounting for four enemy killed. Alertly observing a fifth North Vietnamese Army soldier standing on top of a Marine bunker preparing to throw a hand grenade into the aperture, Corporal Hagemann immediately killed him, thereby precluding destruction of the emplacement. Subsequently, Corporal Hagemann crawled to a forward area dangerously exposed to the enemy fire and carried a wounded Marine to a covered location. His aggressive leadership and heroic actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in his reconnaissance team accounting for thirteen North Vietnamese soldiers confirmed killed. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Corporal Hagemann upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.