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 Captain (Infantry) Richard Leroy Endicott (ASN: OF-104722), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Captain Endicott distinguished himself by heroic actions on 24 March 1968, while serving as Company Commander for Company C, 2d Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, on a combat operation in the Republic of Vietnam. When the company came under intense enemy fire several casualties were sustained. With complete disregard for his own safety, Captain Endicott exposed himself to the intense fire in order to direct his unit’s return fire. He personally led several machine gun teams to better positions and then moved among his men, directing their fire and encouraging them. When the enemy broke contact he immediately directed the evacuation of all wounded personnel and then went to the assistance of another infantry company in heavy contact with the enemy. Arriving at the new battle scene he quickly set up a re-supply of ammunition to the beleaguered element and then secured an area for the evacuation of the unit’s wounded men. Captain Endicott’s personal bravery, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.