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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Richard Roosevelt Banks (ASN: RA-53152967), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Staff Sergeant Banks distinguished himself by gallantry in action on 30 June 1966, while serving as Advisor to the 2d Troop, 5th Armored Cavalry Squadron, 10th Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. While on a combat patrol the unit was attacked by a large Viet Cong force utilizing recoilless rifle, automatic weapons, mortar and small arms fire. Sergeant Banks immediately took the enemy under fire from his position in an armored personnel carrier, and his Vietnamese counterparts were able to withstand the initial enemy attack. Minutes later, Sergeant Banks’ armored personnel carrier was disabled by an enemy recoilless rifle round and, though severely wounded, Sergeant Banks assisted two Vietnamese crew members from the vehicle. Disregarding his personal safety, Sergeant Banks then exposed himself to the intense hostile fire, initiated an assault against the well entrenched insurgent positions, and was instrumental in inflicting heavy casualties before he was mortally wounded by the communist fire. Sergeant Banks’ conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army.