The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Richard Lee Mechanic (MCSN: 1113808), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Rifleman in Company A, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 3 February 1953. With his company engaged in assaulting a hill position which was strongly defended by well-entrenched hostile troops, Corporal Mechanic fearlessly advanced into the trenches and boldly engaged the enemy at close range. Despite intense mortar and small arms fire, he bravely charged up and down the trench line, firing rifle grenades and hurling hand grenades into the bunkers and continuing in his daring one-man assault until he fell, mortally wounded by enemy mortar fire. By his courageous initiative, aggressive fighting spirit and unyielding devotion to duty in the face of heavy odds, Corporal Mechanic served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.