The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Richard Allen Kelleher (MCSN: 1556718), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company H, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 30 April 1968, Company H was directed to attack a large North Vietnamese Army force occupying a village near the Cua Viet River northeast of Dong Ha. As Staff Sergeant Kelleher’s platoon approached the village, the Marines suddenly came under a heavy volume of enemy fire. Although painfully wounded in the initial moments of the fire fight, he resolutely refused medical aid and skillfully maneuvered his men forward through the heavily defended area. With complete disregard for his own safety, Staff Sergeant Kelleher fearlessly moved about the fire-swept terrain, shouting words of encouragement to his men and skillfully directing their fire. After the objective was seized, he refused to be medically evacuated until he had ensured the welfare of his men and the defensibility of his unit’s position. His bold leadership and aggressive fighting spirit inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, resolute determination and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Staff Sergeant Kelleher upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.