The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Richard L. Spafford (MCSN: 1160036), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company I, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 26 July 1952. Returning from a combat patrol, Private First Class Spafford volunteered to join a rescue party attempting to locate a missing man. When the searching patrol dispersed at the foot of an enemy-held hill upon the advice of a friendly outpost, he immediately proceeded up the hill in company with another Marine and fearlessly exposed himself to hostile small arms, grenade and mortar fire as he advanced to within a few yards of the enemy. After finding the body of the missing Marine, he carried it down the hill in the face of the heavy fire and, although painfully wounded, persisted in his efforts until the intensity of the enemy fire forced him to leave the deceased man near the foot of the hill, where a later patrol subsequently returned to the casualty to friendly lines. By his resolute determination, courageous initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Private First Class Spafford served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.