The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Hospitalman Richard W. Abels (NSN: 5583603), United States Navy, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as a Corpsman attached to the FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces near Kwanchikyong, Korea, on 2 June 1951. On that date, Company E was assaulting a ridge defended by well entrenched enemy forces. As a Medical Corpsman, Hospital Abels was with the leading elements of the company when the unit was subjected to intense enemy grenade, automatic weapons, and small arms fire, suffering severe casualties. Heedless of the grave personal danger, Hospitalman Abels moved quickly forward to minister to the wounded. Although many of his men were within a few yards of the enemy position, and completely exposed, he unhesitatingly moved to their aid, remaining with his patients until they could be moved to positions of comparative safety. As the attack progressed, he repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire in order to treat and evacuate wounded comrades. The gallantry, initiative, and personal heroism displayed by Hospitalman Abels on this occasion reflect great credit on himself and the military service.