The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Richard A. Perkins (ASN: RA-13290733), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company M, 3d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 1 June 1951, during a crossing of the Hant’an River near Chiktan, Korea, by Company L, 3d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, a squad of heavy machine guns under Sergeant Perkins’ command was furnishing supporting fire. After being attacked several times by the enemy, Sergeant Perkins saw that his ammunition supply was almost exhausted and dispatched bearers to the rear for more. When a sufficient amount of time had elapsed and the men did not return, Sergeant Perkins, fearing that they had been wounded, then crossed the bridge spanning the river, procured the vitally needed ammunition and started to return. Warned of the vicious enemy fire covering the bridge, Sergeant Perkins ignored the warning and dashed across, as bullets tore holes in his clothing, to carry the ammunition to the relief of the embattled machine gun section. The exemplary gallantry and unwavering courage displayed by Sergeant Perkins reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.