The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Richard Irving Neal (MCSN: 0-92178), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an Artillery Forward Observer attached to Company I, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 30 and 31 March 1967, First Lieutenant Neal was serving with Company I Command Group during Operation PRAIRIE III in Quang Tri Province. The company had established a night position on Hill 70 in the vicinity of Cam Lo near the Demilitarized Zone when it came under heavy enemy mortar fire. The Command Group immediately sustained numerous casualties and the Company Commander and the Executive Officer were killed during the initial moments of the attack. Quickly and expertly assessing the tactical situation, First Lieutenant NEAL immediately assumed command of the surviving members of the Command Group and, with exceptional professional skill and resolute determination, reorganized his unit and succeeded in gaining fire superiority over the numerically superior enemy force. Closely supervising the rapidly changing situation, he courageously moved throughout the fire-swept area directing counter fire and encouraging his men. Simultaneously, he skillfully called for and directed air and artillery support, which was instrumental in forcing the enemy to break contact. As the attack diminished, First Lieutenant Neal hastily reinforced his perimeter and secured a landing zone for the evacuation of the casualties. His daring and heroic actions undoubtedly prevented the enemy from overrunning his unit’s position. By his inspiring leadership, aggressive fighting spirit, and courage in the face of enemy fire, First Lieutenant Neal upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Defense Superior Service Medal
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Defense Superior Service Medal
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal
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Silver Star
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain Richard Irving Neal (MCSN: 0-92178), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Senior Marine Advisor, Fourth Infantry Battalion, Vietnamese Marine Corps, while conducting combat operations in Phuc Veng Province, Cambodia. At approximately 1400 hours on 22 May 1970, Captain Neal was airborne with his counterpart in a command and control helicopter directing the effort of a U.S. Air Cavalry package. A light observation helicopter scout was hit by heavy enemy ground fire and crashed on a canal bank, injuring the pilot and observer. Also taking several hits on the aircraft, the pilot of the command and control helicopter landed within 150 meters of the downed helicopter. Captain Neal ran through open terrain and enemy fire directed at the crash site to the aid of the injured airmen. He reached the two downed airmen who were attempting to scale the canal bank, assisted them out of the water and up the bank while subjected to heavy enemy fire from the other bank. He carried one crew member back to the command and control helicopter, returned through an increasing volume of enemy fire, and assisted the second, who was making slow progress due to his injuries. The command and control helicopter had taken addition hits, despite continued suppressive fire by friendly gun ships. Captain Neal’s reaction in the face of grave danger and extraordinary personal courage saved the lives of the two injured airmen. His strong sense of duty toward his fellow fighting men was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Defense Superior Service Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
ColonelAction Date:
July 1985 – June 1988
Under the provisions of Department of Defense 1348.33-M, the Secretary of Defense has awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal to Colonel Richard Irving Neal (MCSN: 0-92178), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious service as Chief, Special Projects Division, Plans and Policy Directorate, United States Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, from July 1985 to June 1988. During this period, Colonel Neal served consecutively as Chief, Policy and Strategy Division; Deputy Director, Plans and Policy Directorate; and Chief, Special Projects Division. Colonel Neal’s superior duty performance contributed directly to the command’s successful prosecution of operational missions vital to the protection of the United States Central Command’s area of responsibility. His active involvement in bilateral military-to-military discussions in the Persian Gulf region enhanced United States credibility in the area, motivated moderate Arab cooperation in sharing in the protection of mutual Gulf interests, and resulted in unsurpassed levels of mutual understanding and moderate Arab assistance during periods of heightened tension and armed confrontation. Colonel Neal expeditiously organized Special Projects Division and applied critical management skills to Secretary of Defense and Commander in Chief, United States Central Command directed compartmented programs. The distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Neal reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Marine Corps, and the Department of Defense.
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Defense Superior Service Medal
Under the provisions of Department of Defense 1348.33-M, the Secretary of Defense has awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Defense Superior Service Medal to General Richard Irving Neal, United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally superior service to the Department of Defense. The distinctive accomplishments of General Neal reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Marine Corps, and the Department of Defense.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
GeneralAction Date:
September 1996 – September 1998
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to General Richard Irving Neal (MCSN: 0-92178), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, Headquarters U.S. Marine Corps, Washington, D.C., from September 1996 to September 1998. General Neal served as the principal advisor to the Commandant of the Marine Corps for all major decisions during one of the Marine Corps’ most dynamic periods. His extensive background in operational and joint planning, programming, and budgeting, and defense policy issues was instrumental in senior decision making in matters of great complexity and importance. His reputation for intense candor and penetrating insight made him uniquely effective in his dealings with the highest levels of leadership in the Legislative and Executive Branches of the Federal Government in addition to the Department of Defense. General Neal’s forthright approach and receptive communications ability were key ingredients in enhancing the strong traditional tied enjoyed by the Navy-Marine Corps team. General Neal’s tour has been marked by inspiring leadership and selfless dedication which have justly earned him the highest respect and admiration of all who have been privileged to serve with him. By his exemplary performance, personal initiative, and unsurpassed devotion to duty, General Neal reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Under the provisions of Executive Order 11545, July 9, 1970, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America take pleasure in awarding the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to General Richard Irving Neal (MCSN: 0-92178), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Defense Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service contributing to national security and defense, in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. The distinctive accomplishments of General Neal reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Marine Corps, and the Department of Defense.