The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant Richard Alan Braley, United States Marine Corps, for meritorious service in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving in various capacities with the Fourth Battalion, Eleventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, from 7 January 1968 to 14 January 1969. Throughout this period, First Lieutenant Braley performed his demanding duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner. Initially assigned as Fire Direction Officer of a detachment from Battery L, located on Hill 148, he demonstrated exceptional technical skill and professional ability as he ensured the expeditious accomplishment of all assigned tasks and consistently provided maneuvering infantry units with outstanding support. Reassigned as Fire Direction Officer of Battery K in April 1968, he quickly mastered the employment techniques for improved conventional munitions, and when an adjacent fire direction center belonging to a direct support battery sustained a hit during an enemy attack, First Lieutenant Braley quickly assumed control of the battery and expertly coordinated its fire with that of his own. Subsequently reassigned as the Assistant Battalion Operations Officer, he displayed outstanding technical skill and tactical knowledge which rendered him an exceptionally reliable watch officer in the battalion’s fire direction center. Volunteering for duty as the Executive Officer of a provisional towed howitzer battery which supported units participating in Operation TAYLOR COMMON, he continued to distinguish himself in the outstanding performance of his duty. First Lieutenant Braley’s leadership, superb professionalism and steadfast devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. (First Lieutenant Braley is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)