The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) Richard Samuel Daum (ASN: 0-90745), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Major Daum distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Air Mission Commander of the 68th Assault Helicopter Company, 145th Aviation Battalion, 1st Aviation Brigade, north of Dong Tam, Republic of Vietnam. A Special Forces unit had been ambushed and requested immediate reinforcements. Major Daum quickly appraised the situation and directed the placement of ground troops into the enemy-infested area, without loss of life or damage to aircraft. His own aircraft was the constant target for enemy .50 caliber weapons firing from three different positions. Due to the strength in force of the insurgents, an extraction of the friendly troops was imperative. Again, Major Daum proved his professional judgment to be impeccable as he seized the initiative to formulate a plan to lift the troops to safety. After the last extraction had been made, he piloted his own ship into the pick up zone to make sure none of the friendly ground troops had been left behind. Throughout the mission, Major Daum displayed inimitable poise and tactical skills in developing effective strategy, thus leading to the successful outcome of an intricate situation. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) Richard Samuel Daum (ASN: 0-90745), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Major Daum distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as a Helicopter Pilot in the 68th Assault Helicopter Company, 145th Aviation Battalion, 1st Aviation Brigade, in action against the enemy in 1968. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Daum, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) Richard Samuel Daum (ASN: 0-90745), United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the 187th Assault Helicopter Company, 145th Aviation Battalion, 1st Aviation Brigade, in the Republic of Vietnam on 18 August 1968. Major Daum distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while directing the night insertion of a rifle company from his helicopter. Friendly ground forces were in contact with the enemy, and the insertion of the rifle company was for the purpose of sealing off any escape routes. Major Daum maneuvered into the landing zone under enemy fire, activated his landing lights, and masterfully guided the lift ships in. Moving to another landing zone he braved intense enemy fire once again to provide illumination. Even though his ship received several hits, he remained in position until the entire company had been inserted. Due largely to Major Daum’s courageous leadership and tactical acumen, the mission was extremely successful. His action were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.