The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Master Sergeant Richard Wells, United States Marine Corps, for heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy while serving as Team Chief, Marine Special Operations Team 5, Marine Special Operations Advisor Group, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM on 28 October 2008. While patrolling throughout the Baghdis Province, Afghanistan, Master Sergeant Wells patrol came under attack from insurgent forces. As the insurgents assaulted the compound and isolated his team, he calmly passed situation reports to the Section Leader and other ground elements allowing these forces to support his section. Utilizing hand grenades and accurate small arms fire, he repelled numerous attempts by insurgent fighters attempting to gain entry into the compound defended by his section. When his section leader was injured, he assumed command amidst great confusion and demonstrated tactical and technical prowess by continuously relaying situational updates to his supporting friendly forces ultimately allowing them to engage the insurgent fighters without endangering his section. Once the section decided to move from its isolated position, he coordinated all friendly fires outside the compound, ensuring the insurgent fighters to the south were suppressed and allowing his team to withdraw to the north. These actions prevented the insurgent fighters from overrunning the section and ultimately saved the lives of the members of his team. By his extraordinary guidance, zealous initiative, and total dedication to duty, Master Sergeant Wells reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. (The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.)