The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Richard D. Mickelson (MCSN: 0-51426), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to Battery G, Third Battalion, Eleventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), and serving as an Artillery Forward Observer with a Rifle Company, in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 16 May 1951. Although seriously wounded in the leg when his company’s position was subjected to a concentrated night attack by an enemy force employing a heavy barrage of mortar fire, Second Lieutenant Mickelson made his way forward in the darkened area to assist a forward observer at an observation post. With the forward position heavily interdicted by small arms, automatic weapons and grenade fire, he skillfully assisted in directing artillery fire upon the attackers. When a hand grenade landed among his group, he immediately seized the missile in a daring attempt to hurl it back toward the enemy. Painfully wounded a second time when the grenade exploded close by and filled his hand with shrapnel fragments, he courageously continued to assist the forward observer until ordered to an aid station. By his indomitable initiative, marked fortitude and steadfast devotion to duty, Second Lieutenant Mickelson served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.