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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Major Richard Dennis Ator (ASN: 0-96563), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Major Ator distinguished himself by gallantry in action on 5 March 1970 while serving as District Senior Advisor, Don Duong District, Tuyen Duc Province, Republic of Vietnam. On this date at 0200 hours, Major Ator’s district headquarters was brought under heavy enemy mortar fire, and the initial bombardment was of such intensity that he was separated from the rest of his district team. Disregarding the intensity of the attack, Major Ator moved from his secure position to locate the main effort of the enemy to penetrate the defensive position and barbed wire. He was the first to detect the breach of the defensive wire and alone moved to thwart the ground assault, placing himself between the enemy and the remainder of his team. Major Ator, armed with a grenade launcher, placed continuous and effective fire on the advancing enemy, inflicting heavy casualties. He continued to fire at point blank range until his ammunition was exhausted, and then he moved toward the breach in the wire and engaged the enemy in hand-to-hand combat. He continued his courageous defense using his weapon as a club, and blunted the enemy’s main attack until he was mortally wounded. Major Ator’s unhesitating action nullified the enemy’s attempt to eliminate his district team and was responsible for the light casualties sustained by the team. Major Ator’s conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army.