The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Richard D. Friend (ASN: RA-18263776), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 2d Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. When the platoon area near Huke-ri, Korea, was assaulted by overwhelming enemy forces in the early morning hours of 11 September 1950, Private First Class Friend remained in his exposed position and delivered devastating fire at the attackers. When his ammunition was expended, despite his painful wound, he engaged in hand-to-hand combat with three enemy soldiers and repulsed them. Private First Class Friend’s indomitable fighting spirit was an inspiration to his comrades and reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.