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 pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Sergeant Richard J. Meadows (ASN: 0-5344796/RA-13164437), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Master Sergeant Meadows distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions as a member of Command and Control Detachment, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, during the period 18 to 23 June 1966, while serving as Senior Advisor to a Vietnamese reconnaissance team. While on a reconnaissance mission of a previously bombed area, Master Sergeant Meadows maneuvered with only a small part of the patrol so as not to risk the larger group. In response to an outburst of hostile fire, he personally led an assault upon the Viet Cong position, destroyed it and killed two Viet Cong. Again while probing a bombed area, he received intense fire from a rear position. Breaking contact with the Viet Cong and regrouping his force, Master Sergeant Meadows then called in an air strike so close to his position that debris fell upon the reconnaissance team. Later while very close to a trail, he photographed passing Viet Cong and their equipment. Again he withdrew and called an air strike to destroy and disorganize the hostile force. He was preparing for further reconnaissance when he received orders for evacuation. Master Sergeant Meadows’ gallantry n action against a hostile force was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

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 pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Richard J. Meadows (ASN: 0-5344796/RA-13164437), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 12 March 1969, while serving as Commanding Officer, United States Army, Army of the Republic of Vietnam Combined Force. On that date, the unit was deep in enemy territory on an intelligence gathering mission when the lead element engaged an enemy force. Fighting began and Captain Meadows moved forward, fearlessly exposing himself to enemy fire, in order to properly position his troops for effective fire on the enemy emplacements. Seeing a wounded enemy soldier approximately one-hundred meters to his front, Captain Meadows moved forward under heavy sniper fire. Without regard for his personal safety, he approached the enemy soldier and after disarming him, carried him back to the safety of the Combined Force position, shielding the soldier from sniper fire with his own body. Captain Meadows’ conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.