Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Sergeant Richard E. Glaesman (ASN: US-55839677), United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Company A, 3d Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Glaesman distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 15 September 1967, while serving as a squad leader on a search and destroy mission as a part of Operation CORONADO V in the jungles of Vietnam. As the unit maneuvered across an area of open rice paddies, it suddenly came under an intense volume of automatic and semi-automatic weapons fire from a well-concealed Viet Cong force. Without hesitation, Sergeant Glaesman began to maneuver his squad against the insurgents. Seeing one of his men fall wounded in the ensuing action, Sergeant Glaesman rushed to his aid. Although exposing himself to a torrent of enemy fire, Sergeant Glaesman began to carry his companion to an area of safety. It was during the performance of this heroic deed that Sergeant Glaesman was mortally wounded. Sergeant Glaesman’s extreme courage and concern for his men were an inspiration to all those with whom he served and contributed significantly to saving the life of one of the members of his squad. Sergeant Glaesman’s extraordinary heroism in close combat against a numerically superior Viet Cong force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Awards Received