The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Hospital Corpsman Second Class Richard L. Hope, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Infantry Battalion of the FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 2 October 1950. As the platoon to which Hospital Corpsman Second Class Hope was attached as a Medical Corpsman fought its way to the top of a barren peak enemy fire increased and the enemy counterattacked following a barrage of hand grenades. Seeing the platoon leader and runner struck down by the enemy attack, he rushed forward to a position where he covered them with fire. Then without regard for his own personal safety and despite intense enemy grenade and small arms fire he disregarded warnings of the danger and fought his way to the aid of the wounded. While in an exposed position he was struck by enemy fire and seriously wounded. Hospital Corpsman Second Class Hope’s display of initiative and heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.