The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Armor) Richard Walker Harper (ASN: 0-5022661), United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 31 January 1968 while serving as a Platoon Leader with Troop D, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 199th Infantry Brigade (Light) (Separate), in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Lieutenant Harper’s platoon was part of an infantry battalion force moving towards Saigon to engage a large enemy concentration located near the Phu Tho Race Track. As his platoon was sweeping through the outlying streets of the city, it began receiving a heavy volume of enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire. Lieutenant Harper immediately deployed his armored personnel carriers when he observed that nearby infantry elements were pinned down by the intense hostile fire. Completely disregarding his own safety, he deliberately maneuvered his vehicle to draw the enemy’s fire on himself and away from the beleaguered infantrymen. After destroying the enemy position, his vehicle proceeded with its mission but was struck by an enemy anti-tank rocket. Undaunted, Lieutenant Harper ordered his vehicle forward and continued to place accurate fire on the enemy until he was mortally wounded when his armored personnel carrier was again struck by an anti-tank rocket. As a result of his courageous actions, his platoon was able to aggressively renew the attack and regain control of the area. First Lieutenant Harper’s extraordinary heroism was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.