The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Richard C. Lopiano (MCSN: 2346189), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company E, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 9 February 1968, Lance Corporal Lopiano’s squad was conducting a patrol west of Camp J.J. Carroll. Suddenly, the Marines came under intense automatic weapons fire from a well concealed North Vietnamese Army force. Reacting instantly, Lance Corporal Lopiano skillfully directed the fire of his squad while simultaneously shouting words of encouragement to his men. Ignoring the hostile fire impacting around him, he unhesitatingly assisted in moving casualties to covered positions and, as he carried one Marine across the fire-swept terrain, was wounded by fragments from an enemy grenade. Ignoring his painful injuries, he advised his Company Commander of the tactical situation and rapidly requested supporting arms fire. With complete disregard for his own safety, he moved across the hazardous area, seized additional ammunition and delivered it to his squad’s machine gun. Skillfully directing his squad into a perimeter defense, the Marines came under fire from another direction. Undaunted by the hostile fire, he fearlessly led an aggressive assault upon the enemy positions, which killed a North Vietnamese soldier and forced the remainder to flee in panic and confusion. His bold initiative and resolute determination were an inspiration to all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Lance Corporal Lopiano upheld the highest tradition of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.