The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade Richard L. Faulkner (ASN: 31380476), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 232d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 1 April 1945 near Breitenbrunn, Germany. When forward elements of his company drew rifle and automatic weapons fire, Corporal Faulkner manned a jeep-mounted 50 caliber machine gun and returned the fire. A Panzerfaust exploded near the jeep, wounding the driver and knocking Corporal Faulkner to the ground. Despite the force of the concussion, he ran to the aid of the driver and dragged him to a place of safety, returned to his gun and alone covered the withdrawal of the other troops, remaining in his exposed position until ordered to withdraw by the company commander. He then carried the driver to cover where he assisted in caring for his wounds and aided other men wounded in the withdrawal. Corporal Faulkner’s prompt and courageous action permitted his company to make an organized withdrawal and saved several wounded men from possible death or capture.