The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to First Lieutenant Richard Waldron Crowley (MCSN: 0-49332), United States Marine Corps, for gallantry in action on 28 November 1950. On that date, as Liaison Officer for the First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Lieutenant Crowley volunteered to deliver vital instructions to a Task Force attempting to clear a main supply route to Hagaru-ri, North Korea. Although the Task Force was engaged in an intense fire fight with an estimated two regiments of the enemy, and was completely surrounded, Lieutenant Crowley skillfully penetrated the enemy lines and delivered the message to the Task Force Commander. While returning to his unit, Lieutenant Crowley organized a group of stragglers and directed the fierce fighting necessary to enable them to return to Headquarters. Although seriously wounded during this action, Lieutenant Crowley continued to lead and encourage his men until the group successfully reached the safety of Regimental Headquarters. The courage, initiative, and leadership displayed by Lieutenant Crowley on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.