The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal Richard Preston Hodges (MCSN: 2172138), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company A, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 22 February 1969, Company A was conducting a search and destroy operation in a densely wooded area of A Shau Valley in Quang Tri Province when the Marines came under a heavy volume of mortars, automatic weapons fire, and rocket grenades from a hostile unit occupying well-fortified emplacements. Realizing the need for immediate action, Corporal Hodges fearlessly exposed himself to the intense enemy fire as he initiated an aggressive assault upon an enemy machine gun position and, overrunning the objective, silenced the hostile fire from that location. Alertly observing several enemy soldiers approaching his unit’s left flank, he fearlessly maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain to counter the hostile threat to his comrades and was seriously wounded. Ignoring his painful injuries and mustering his last available strength before succumbing to his wounds, he threw a hand grenade which killed three enemy soldiers. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and saved his companions from serious injury or possible death. By his courage, sincere concern for his fellow men and unwavering devotion to duty, Corporal Hodges upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.