The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Specialist Fourth Class Richard Joseph Siebel (ASN: US-55837695), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Specialist Fourth Class Siebel distinguished himself by heroic actions on 3 November 1966, while serving as a Radio Operator for the Company Commander of Company C, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. On this date, the company was airlifted into a jungle area long known to be a Viet Cong stronghold. As the company advanced, it came under murderous automatic weapons fire from the front and right flanks. As the company commander moved through the battle area, Specialist Siebel was always at his side monitoring all communications. Early in the battle he was wounded in the leg by small arms fire, but refused evacuation and continued to move with the company commander. When the company commander was fatally wounded, he moved him to a more secure area and started first aid. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, he carried the company commander through an open area to the approaching helicopter, which was surrounded on two sides by snipers with automatic weapons. Upon departure from the landing zone with the wounded, the helicopter was shot down. Specialist Siebel returned to the area and retrieved the company commander. Specialist Siebel also rendered calm and precise reports to the battalion commander appraising him of the situation until another officer assumed command. As the battle terminated and all wounded were evacuated, Specialist Siebel again refused evacuation. He remained with the company during the next twenty-four hours during which the company was again engaged in heavy fighting. Specialist Siebel’s personal courage and his great loyalty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.