The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Infantry), [then Captain] Richard W. Dashner, United States Army, for gallantry in action as Commanding Officer of Company C, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in the vicinity of Osan, Korea, on 5 July 1950. When the vanguard of the United Nations Forces, Consisting of Companies B and C, 21st Infantry Regiment, were flown into Korea with the assigned mission of delaying the advance of the invading North Korean People’s Army, Major Dashner personally supervised the construction of the defensive position. Early in the morning of 5 July 1950, a column of enemy armor, consisting of thirty-one T34 tanks, smashed at the delaying site. Major Dashner, displaying outstanding leadership ability, aggressiveness, courage and devotion to duty, moved about his company position, completely exposed to the intense enemy fire, directing the defensive fire and pointing out targets to his men, When anti-tank weapons proved ineffective against the enemy armor, he personally supervised the forming of a second defensive position on the highest ground in the area. Two regiments of enemy, supported by heavy concentrations of artillery and mortar fire, launched an attack against the position. Again Major Dashner moved about the defensive position with complete disregard for personal safety, completely exposed to enemy fire, directing the defense. His exemplary conduct under extremely adverse conditions, inspired the men of his command to the highest possible degree of combat efficiency, and although outnumbered more than thirty-to-one, they repulsed the enemy attack on three occasions, inflicting heavy casualties. When the order to withdraw was given, Major Dashner remained behind and covered the withdrawal. Aware that his position was surrounded, he moved about the delaying site, giving words of encouragement to his outnumbered men and directing their fire which kept the enemy at bay until the remainder of his company had withdrawn. After reorganizing his battle-weary troops, he led them toward friendly lines through many enemy groups. On one occasion when an enemy machine gun blocked his escape route, he personally assaulted the position and killed two enemy soldiers. His outstanding leadership was directly responsible for 115 American soldiers successfully walking through thirty-five miles of enemy infested territory with minimum casualties. The superior leadership and heroic conduct displayed by Major Dashner reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.