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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Richard William Thompson (ASN: OF-108007), United States Army, for gallantry in action. First Lieutenant Thompson distinguished himself on 19 November 1967, while serving as a platoon leader with Company C, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate) on a search and destroy mission in the Republic of Vietnam. As the lead element established contact with the well prepared enemy fortifications, Lieutenant Thompson maneuvered his platoon into an assault line and pushed toward the positions. With little regard for his personal safety, Lieutenant Thompson continually exposed himself to intense automatic weapons, rockets and mortar fire to direct fires and guide his elements. After receiving the order to withdraw, Lieutenant Thompson began a retrograde action, utilizing fire and movement tactics that minimized the amount of casualties sustained. While reorganizing his platoon, Lieutenant Thompson was ordered to assault the enemy again. As he moved his platoon into an assault formation, he was severely wounded by small arms fire. Refusing medical attention, he continued to direct his element forward. In the vicious, close quarter fire fight that ensued, Lieutenant Thompson was again wounded. He again refused any medical attention and continued to expose himself to the intense enemy fire. Running from man to man, shouting words of encouragement and direction, he inspired his troops with his valorous actions. As the order to withdraw was issued, Lieutenant Thompson began to move his element away from the point of contact. As his platoon was moving into the company perimeter, Lieutenant Thompson was informed that his platoon sergeant was wounded and not with the platoon. With total disregard for his own safety and despite the fact that he had been twice wounded, Lieutenant Thompson rushed back to the contact area which was still receiving enemy mortar fire and dragged his platoon sergeant back to safety. While in the process of reconsolidating his position, Lieutenant Thompson was mortally wounded. Lieutenant Thompson’s extraordinary personal valor in close combat against a numerically superior North Vietnamese force was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.