The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Specialist Fourth Class Richard M. Veradt (ASN: RA-18836433), United States Army, for heroism in ground combat against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on 20 February 1968. Specialist Fourth Class Veradt distinguished himself while serving as a machine gunner on a combat operation near Hue, Republic of Vietnam. At approximately 1530 hours Company C was engaged in a sweep designed to locate and destroy enemy fortified positions. When the center of the company came under intense sniper fire, the first platoon, including Specialist Fourth Class Veradt, was maneuvered to the flank to relieve pressure on the second platoon. Before the platoon could get into position another platoon had attacked, but not silenced, the snipers. Thus as Specialist Fourth Class Veradt’s platoon moved forward the remaining snipers again opened fire pinning down his platoon with a withering hail of bullets. When his squad leader was killed, Specialist Fourth Class Veradt immediately brought his machine gun to bear and covered the withdrawal of his squad. Determinedly refusing to seek cover, he maintained his exposed position until the last of the men had moved to safety. Only after all were safely away from the dangerous area did Specialist Fourth Class Veradt seek cover for himself. During his movement he paused long enough to pick up some of the equipment that members of his squad had dropped in their hasty departure. Specialist Fourth Class Veradt’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.