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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Richard Lawrence St. John (ASN: )F-107979), United States Army, for gallantry in action in the Republic of Vietnam on 2 June 1968. First Lieutenant St. John distinguished himself while serving as Company Commander of Company B, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, on a combat operation near Dak To, Republic of Vietnam. At approximately 1500 hours the point element of his company made contact with a large North Vietnamese Army force. Without a though for his own safety, First Lieutenant St. John moved forward through the intense enemy mortar, small arms, and automatic weapons fire, to reach his foremost element. Throughout the ensuing battle, he personally directed the fire of his company, continuously exposing himself to the enemy fusillade. Moving throughout the perimeter, First Lieutenant St. John, now seriously wounded, continued directing his company’s fire and giving words of encouragement. Even though he was in great pain and bleeding profusely, he continued to inspire his men, refusing all medical aid. First Lieutenant S. John’s unsurpassed courage and the example he set was an inspiration to all the men in his command. His extraordinary heroism, devotion to duty, and dedication to his men were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.