Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Aviation Structural Mechanic Second Class

    Action Date:

    January 31, 1968

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Aviation Structural Mechanic Second Class Clarence T. Risher, III (NSN: 5857372), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 31 January 1968 while serving as a key member of SEAL Team TWO, Detachment ALFA, 8th Platoon in the Republic of Vietnam. When the city of Chau Phu, Republic of Vietnam, was taken under heavy Viet Cong attack, Petty Officer Risher’s platoon was placed within the city limits and began a systematic liberation of key government buildings. During this period, the platoon was pinned down by heavy automatic-weapons fire. Petty Officer Risher exposed himself to this heavy enemy fire in the process of climbing to a rooftop to secure a position for a 57 recoilless rifle. During this action, he engaged the enemy in heavy battle from an adjacent rooftop, fighting ferociously in order to protect his fellow team members. By his heroic efforts, the firing position was established, eight Viet Cong were killed, and one more building was liberated of Viet Cong control. Petty Officer Risher’s courageous actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.