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 Platoon Sergeant Richard D. King (ASN: RA-13558678), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Platoon Sergeant King distinguished himself by exceptional heroism on 11 November 1967, while serving as a member of Company C, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate). Company C came under a heavy enemy mortar, rocket and small arms attack from an estimated North Vietnamese Army battalion. Sergeant King organized his platoon and formed them in perimeter form. Although wounded on the initial contact, he repeatedly dashed through the bullet-swept area directing the fire of his men and shouting words of encouragement. When the third platoon started taking heavy casualties, he quickly organized his platoon and started evacuation of the wounded. Sergeant King personally carried a severely wounded man to safety while under enemy fire. When the order was received to move to the high ground, Sergeant King moved his platoon up the hill. Then, realizing that some of the wounded were still at the bottom of the hill and could not make it up the incline, he formed a squad and maneuvered them back down the hill to recover the wounded. While moving down the hill, he personally killed three enemy soldiers. Then he successfully recovered the wounded and moved them to a safe area. Sergeant King’s valorous actions and inspirational leadership were in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.