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 [then Private First Class] Richard S. Willis, United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force in the Republic of Vietnam, on 5 February 1968, while serving as a gunner on a military aircraft with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. On the morning of 5 February 1968, after having one OH-13 aircraft shot down, Specialist Willis volunteered to aid in the mission of scout support for elements of the 2d Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. While en route to a contact area, the scout team, of which Specialist Willis was a part, was engaged by a battalion-size enemy force about two miles southwest of Landing Zone Uplift. The OH-13 aircraft in which Specialist Willis was riding was hit numerous times by heavy and light automatic weapons fire, which caused it to crash and burn about 50 meters in front of the hostile force. Specialist Willis sustained multiple bullet wounds while the pilot of the aircraft sustained multiple back injuries and was knocked unconscious. The aircraft crashed in such a position as to place the pilot on the side that was exposed to the enemy fire. With complete disregard for his own safety, Specialist Willis exited the burning aircraft and made his way around the aircraft to the injured pilot, thus exposing himself to the enemy fire. He pulled the unconscious pilot from the burning aircraft and carried him to safety before collapsing unconscious from his own bullet wounds. Specialist Willis’ personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.