The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major [then Captain] Richard Lee Smith (MCSN: 0-91896), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Air Liaison Officer with the Third Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 9 April 1968, the Third Battalion was consolidating and reinforcing its position on Hill 881 following prolonged and intense combat operations in defense of the Khe Sanh Combat Base. During the day, as Marine reinforcements were debarking a transport helicopter in the primary landing zone, the zone came under heavy enemy mortar and automatic weapons fire and several Marines were wounded, including the landing zone coordinator. Realizing that the newly debarked Marines were confused by the sudden fire and, without the landing zone coordinator, were uncertain where to turn, Major Smith unhesitatingly left his relatively secure position, maneuvered to the center of the fire-swept zone, and began to direct the casualties and exposed Marines to cover. Although enemy rounds continued to impact in the zone, he moved back and forth in the open, assisting and encouraging the casualties and leading the others to safety. While he was moving a wounded Marine to a covered position, Major Smith sustained severe fragmentation wounds and, as a result, was medically evacuated under emergency conditions. His courage and determination inspired all who observed him and undoubtedly saved the lives of a number of Marines. By his intrepidity, bold initiative, and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Major Smith upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.