The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Hospital Corpsman Third Class Richard A. Campbell (NSN: B-517728), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company F, Second Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 7 August 1969, during Operation IDAHO CANYON, Petty Officer Campbell was accompanying a platoon moving up a hill northwest of the Vandegrift Combat Base when the Marines came under an extremely heavy volume of rocket-propelled grenade, small arms, and automatic weapons fire from a company-sized North Vietnamese Army force occupying a well-concealed bunker complex, wounding several Marines. Quickly moving to the point element, he observed the fallen Marines lying in dangerously-exposed positions. With complete disregard for his own safety, Petty Officer Campbell fearlessly moved across the fire-swept terrain to reach the wounded. Undaunted by the enemy rounds impacting around him, he gallantly remained in his precarious position to expertly administer first aid, and then assisted in moving the casualties to covered positions. Although wounded while caring for one of the casualties, Petty Officer Campbell boldly carried the wounded Marine approximately 100 yards through intense North Vietnamese fire until he reached a relatively safe position. During the second assault on the well-entrenched enemy, he was dressing the wounds of a Marine in the battle area when a North Vietnamese soldier rushed his position. Reacting instantly, Petty Officer Campbell drew his pistol and killed the hostile soldier. Despite his painful wounds, he continued to aid the casualties and would not submit to medical evacuation until he was relieved by another Corpsman. By his dauntless courage, bold initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Petty Officer Campbell inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.