The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Richard Y. Okata (ASN: RA-10103069), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the Intelligence and Reconnaissance Platoon, Regiment 1 Headquarters Company, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Cho-ni, Korea, on 10 July 1950. Corporal Okata was occupying a position on the right flank of the 21st Infantry Regiment’s defensive position, He observed elements of this flank position withdrawing, and tried to get them to stop withdrawing and get them to return to their former positions. He was unable to get them to return so he made his way under heavy small arms fire to the Regimental Observation Post in order to inform the Regimental and Battalion Commanders that the right flank had withdrawn with the exception of two men. He then secured the two men and placing them in position continued to cover the right flank and rear to the best of his ability until the order to withdraw was given at which time he and his men withdrew in an orderly manner. Through his efforts to notify the Regimental and Battalion Commanders of the action on the right flank and his aggressive attitude in organizing the position, covering the right flank and rear, the position was held and an orderly withdrawal was effected. This gallant action on the part of Corporal Okata reflects great credit on himself and the Military Service.