The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Hospital Corpsman Third Class [then Hospitalman] Richard Eugene Stanton (NSN: B-604645), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 3 February 1968, while serving as a Corpsman with Company E, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in connection with military operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. During a search and destroy operation in Truoi River Valley west of National Route One in the Republic of Vietnam,, Petty Officer Stanton fearlessly exposed himself to the hostile fire as he moved forward from the rear of the platoon and ran one hundred meters across the fire-swept rice paddy to the side of the casualties. Utilizing his own body as a shield, he moved from one wounded Marine to another, administering first aid, comforting and encouraging them, and directing their evacuation. While moving to the side of a wounded Marine who had fallen within ten meters of an enemy position, Petty Officer Stanton was mortally wounded by a burst of enemy automatic weapons fire. His steadfast determination and compassionate concern for his fellowman inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving at least two Marine lives. By his extraordinary courage, bold initiative, and selfless devotion to duty, Petty Officer Stanton upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.