The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Stanley G. Richards, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company L, 387th Infantry Regiment, 97th Infantry Division, in connection with military operations against an armed enemy. On 28 April 1945, a rifle company commanded by Lieutenant Richards was given the mission of capturing an airfield near Cheb, Czechoslovakia. Shortly after the attack jumped off the company came under heavy hostile rocket, mortar, and automatic weapons fire and Lieutenant Richards suffered a severe wound. Receiving emergency first aid on the battlefield he continued to lead his men and so inspired them by his bravery and determination that they overran the airfield and killed or captured a large number of the enemy. Lieutenant Richards consented to be evacuated only when his mission had been completely accomplished. His gallant devotion to duty on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces.