The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] Richard Morgan Rees, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 11 April 1968 in the Republic of Vietnam while assigned to Detachment A-302, Company A, 5th Special Forces Group. On this date a two-company task force engaged a well-entrenched and determined enemy force at approximately 1300 hours, while the Special forces unit was performing a search and destroy mission. During the ensuing action, Captain Rees exposed himself to vicious and deadly enemy fire while extricating his seriously wounded Task Force Commander and an enlisted member of the unit. He then took command of the American force, successfully overran the enemy positions and assured the evacuation of all friendly casualties. His determined actions and outstanding bravery in the fierce combat action became an inspiration to his troops and did much to assure their victory on that date. Captain Rees’ performance of duty reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Army.