Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    5th Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

    Action Date:

    February 1, 1968

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Richard L. Horner (MCSN: 0-101999), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company F, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 1 February 1968, Second Lieutenant Horner’s platoon was attacking toward the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, compound in the city of Hue. Suddenly, the platoon came under a heavy volume of enemy automatic weapons fire. With complete disregard for his own safety, Second Lieutenant Horner unhesitatingly exposed himself to the hostile fire while directing the deployment of his men. Wounded by an exploding rocket round, he continued to direct an aggressive attack against the enemy position. When the platoon radio operator was killed, Second Lieutenant Horner ignored the hostile fire and crossed the fire-swept terrain to retrieve the radio, which enabled him to maintain control over his men and the two tanks supporting his platoon. Throughout the two hour engagement, he continued to refuse medical assistance until certain that the enemy was defeated and all the wounded Marines were treated. Only after collapsing from loss of blood and exhaustion did he submit to medical aid. His calm professionalism and determined efforts were an inspiration to all who served with him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Second Lieutenant Horner upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.