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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Armor) Richard Wendell Streiff (ASN: 0-28060), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Company B, 70th Tank Battalion (Heavy), attached to the 1st Cavalry Division, on 3 to 6 September 1950, near Tabudong, Korea. When the enemy, in its all out drive on the vital city of Taegu, surrounded and isolated his platoon behind enemy lines, Lieutenant Streiff displayed extreme devotion to duty and inspirational leadership in effecting its return to safety. Though his first attempt was thwarted he efficiently re-organized his platoon and skillfully coordinating air and artillery support, once again began to break through the road blocks and heavy fortified enemy positions. Fearlessly disregarding his own safety Lieutenant Streiff rode with his tank hatch open to more effectively observe and deliver fire on the enemy strong points. In this position and while constantly exposed to point blank heavy weapons and small arms fire he so efficiently directed the combat operations of his platoon that they destroyed eight anti-tank guns, five machine guns, and forty enemy troops and were successful in returning to their own lines with a minimum of casualties. Lieutenant Streiff’s skillful leadership, courageous action and ability to think fast under enemy fire was responsible for the saving of many lives, critically needed ordnance material and provided an inspirational example to our forces. His gallant action reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Armor), [then First Lieutenant]

    Batallion:

    70th Tank Battalion (Heavy)

    Division:

    1st Cavalry Division

    Action Date:

    November 1950
    Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division, General Orders No. 118 (1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Armor), [then First Lieutenant] Richard Wendell Streiff (ASN: 0-28060), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 70th Tank Battalion (Heavy), attached to the 1st Cavalry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea, in November 1950. While Captain Streiff was directing his tank through an obstacle roadblock, a friendly infantryman who was riding the tank was inadvertently trapped between the turret and the roof of a building. Realizing that to move forward would undoubtedly result in the death of the soldiers, he quickly halted the tank and assisted in freeing the infantryman from his precarious position. Displaying exemplary leadership and aggressiveness, Captain Streiff refused to take the comparative safety of “buttoning up” in his tank, but rode with his head and shoulders exposed to the hostile fire in order to more efficiently direct his tank. After successfully knocking out three hostile roadblocks and approaching the fourth, he encountered an extremely heavy volley of small arms and grenade fire. A “Molotov Cocktail” hurled by the hostile troops hit his tank, spreading fire over the turret. With complete disregard for personal safety, he climbed out of his tank commander’s hatch to extinguished the blaze. While in this position he noticed several wounded men on the ground. After assisting in loading them safely upon the tank, Captain Streiff effectively directed fire on targets of opportunity and coordinated the maneuvering his tank against enemy emplacements. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Streiff, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Armor)

    Action Date:

    1974 – 1976
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Armor) Richard Wendell Streiff (ASN: 0-28060), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States with Supreme Headquarters, Allied Powers, Europe, from 1974 to 1976. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Streiff culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Armor)

    Action Date:

    1968 – 1969
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Armor) Richard Wendell Streiff (ASN: 0-28060), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the 3d Brigade, 2d Armored Division, from 1968 to 1969. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Streiff and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.