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 (Infantry) Richard V. Moakley (ASN: 0-972942), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 28 August 1951 in the vicinity of Sachon-ni, Korea. On that date Lieutenant Moakley was commanding an infantry platoon in defensive positions undergoing the determined assaults of a numerically superior hostile force. By sheer weight of number the foe tore several gaps in the defense perimeter seriously threatening the successful repulsion of the enemy attacks. Without hesitating Lieutenant Moakley regrouped his men and, shouting words of encouragement, directed them fearlessly in a counterattack. His men, so inspired by Lieutenant Moakley’s determination to close with the enemy, drove the foe back and regained the lost ground. After two hours of continuous close combat, he was ordered to withdraw his unit to more tenable positions. Laboriously working his way from position to position, he calmly informed his men of the intended action. Only after all the wounded personnel were evacuated did he lead his unit in the retrograde movement. Lieutenant Moakley so skillfully withdrew his platoon that not one of his men became a casualty. His aggressive action, determined leadership and fearless behavior was highly responsible for the success of his unit in completing its assigned mission. The gallant conduct demonstrated by Lieutenant Moakley on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.