The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Transportation Corps) Richard Elmer Jaeck, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations in the Republic of Vietnam, on 14 March 1964. As a Pilot of an unarmed Light Observation aircraft, Lieutenant Jaeck demonstrated fortitude, perseverance, and professional skill while on a reconnaissance and surveillance mission in support of ground elements of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam during an encounter with hostile forces. After completing several successful flights in the combat zone, he refueled the aircraft and unhesitatingly returned to the operational area. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, he flew at low altitudes exposing himself to the heavy ground fire and rendered information of great tactical value to the friendly troops. When his aircraft was hit by the hostile ground fire and caught on fire, he transmitted tactical message to his Vietnamese counterparts and continued his courageous efforts until mortally wounded while attempting to make a forced landing in the only clearing in the area. Lieutenant Jaeck’s conspicuous gallantry and unselfish actions are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military services.