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 Chief Warrant Officer (CW-2) Richard W. Geraghty (ASN: W-3155871), United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the 175th Assault Helicopter Company, 1st Aviation Brigade, in the Republic of Vietnam on 19 September 1968. Chief Warrant Officer Geraghty distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as fire team leader of an armed UH-1C helicopter team on a combat operation near Go Cong. When friendly ground forces came in heavy contact with a reinforced enemy battalion, he repeatedly made low, slow passes to better place his suppressive fire and to draw fire away from the hard pressed infantrymen. He continued his support late into the evening, despite the fact his aircraft had received several damaging hits. After darkened skies had set in, the friendly elements pulled back to prepare a landing zone for re-supply and medical evacuation ships. As he was escorting and directing the transports into the landing zone, they once again became the target of intense automatic weapons fire. He instructed the transports to go “Black Out,” and then turned on his own aircraft lights to brighten the area, thus making himself the sole target for the determined enemy gunners. Placing highly accurate suppressive fire on the enemy forces, he succeeded in silencing several enemy weapons, and was responsible for the success of the mission. 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.