The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Ricky Jerome Almanza (MCSN: 2379991), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company M, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 3 September 1968, Company M was conducting a search and destroy operation near Go Noi Island in Quang Nam Province when the Marines came under a heavy volume of small arms, mortar and automatic weapons fire from a large North Vietnamese Army force occupying defensive positions in a tree line. During the ensuing fire fight, a Marine of the Second Platoon fell seriously wounded in a position dangerously exposed to the intense hostile fire. Reacting instantly, Corporal Almanza skillfully deployed his squads and, shouting words of encouragement to his men, directed them in delivering suppressive fire upon the enemy emplacements. Disregarding his own safety, he commenced maneuvering across fifty meters of fire-swept terrain, and as he approached the casualty, he was wounded. Ignoring the painful injury, Corporal Almanza resolutely continued to advance, and reaching the side of his comrade, he fearlessly moved him through intense hostile fire to a position of relative safety. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, he continued to direct his platoon until he was medically evacuated, although he subsequently succumbed to his wounds. His bold initiative and sincere concern for the welfare of his comrades inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the life of a fellow Marine. By his courage, aggressive leadership and selfless devotion to duty, Corporal Almanza upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.