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 (Field Artillery) Richard L. Kirk (ASN: 0-934361), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 58th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. During the early morning hours of 16 December 1950, near Yonghurg-ni, Korea, the enemy, estimated to be in battalion force, made a determined attack on the line. Lieutenant Kirk, a forward observer attached to Company I, 3d Battalion, made his way under heavy enemy opposition up a hill to his observation post. Shortly thereafter, the rifle platoon, occupying positions near the observation post was ordered to withdraw. Lieutenant Kirk, making ready to withdraw moved to the base of the hill but at that time a radio message was received ordering the platoon to reoccupy its positions. Unable to locate the platoon, he took command of a squad that had also lost contact with its platoon, ran to the top of the hill to his observation post, and deployed the squad for security. Losing no time, Lieutenant Kirk calmly contacted the artillery liaison officer, observed and accurately adjusted artillery fire while the rifle squad fought off repeated enemy attacks. Lieutenant Kirk’s demonstration of leadership and personal courage in the face of imminent danger reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.