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 Captain (Infantry) Richard C. Moore (ASN: OF-104207), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Captain Moore distinguished himself by exceptionally gallant actions against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on 24 October 1968, while serving as Company Commander of Company B, 3d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment, 173d Infantry Brigade (Separate), on a reconnaissance in force mission in the Da Lat area. While moving up a steep, heavily vegetated ridge, the lead element of Bravo Company came in contact with an estimated company of heavily entrenched North Vietnamese soldiers. Captain Moore moved to the element in contact and received a painful wound in the groin area. Finding the platoon leader mortally wounded, he immediately took charge of the platoon and led an assault across an enemy machine gun position to recover four wounded men and the platoon leader’s body. Captain Moore then pulled the lead element back while calling in artillery, gun ships, and air strikes, exposing himself to automatic weapons, small arms and 81-mm. mortar fire. Captain Moore succeeded in devastating the entrenched enemy’s positions while causing heavy casualties with the supporting fires. Even though wounded for a second time himself, he continued to place effective supporting fire upon the enemy and led the final assault over the enemy held positions. During the entire battle, Captain Moore retained complete control of the company, prevented the enemy’s completion of an attempted flanking movement, administered first aid to wounded personnel while refusing aid for himself and displayed his skill and knowledge in the tactical employment of his company. His complete disdain for the intense hostile battled developed and instilled confidence and the desire to excel in all who served with him, enabling them to overcome the initial shock of contact and defeat a well entrenched enemy force. Captain Moore’s inspiring leadership and conspicuous gallantry was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.