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 Sergeant Richard Albert Cassin (ASN: 51541748), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. On 4 May 1967, Sergeant Cassin distinguished himself while serving as a Squad Leader in Company A, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, conducting a search and destroy operation in the Ia Drang Valley. As the unit made its way through the jungle it encountered an enemy force of undetermined size, and the lead element was pinned down. Sergeant Cassin, located in the rear, saw the danger these men were in and immediately led his squad to their assistance. With complete disregard for his own safety, he exposed himself to the enemy fire on several occasions as he made his way forward. Braving enemy automatic weapons fire, he and his squad dashed into the midst of the beleaguered group and initiated a counterattack which drove the enemy back into the jungle. During the fierce battle, Sergeant Cassin was fatally wounded, but by his timely and decisive action the enemy had been defeated and the lives of many in the point element had been saved. Sergeant Cassin’s aggressiveness, peerless leadership and unselfish dedication to his comrades are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.