The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers) Richard P. Ellis (ASN: 0-2021173), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company D, 2d Engineer Combat Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 7 and 8 October 1951 in the vicinity of Saegonbae, Korea. On 7 October Lieutenant Ellis was leading his platoon of engineers which had the mission of preparing a tank trail leading to a key strong point. This route of access was through a river bed and a heavily mined and demolished road. Lieutenant Ellis, disregarding the intense enemy artillery fire directed into the area, made an extensive reconnaissance of the route to be taken. On the following morning, he continuously remained in an exposed position while supervising the mine clearing and destruction of obstacles, in spite of heavy enemy mortar and small arms fire. His courage and spirit of determination were an inspiration to his men and through his leadership the mission was successfully completed, thus enabling the friendly tank force to advance in the assault. The gallantry in action displayed by Lieutenant Ellis reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.