The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Richard Vernon Parker (MCSN: 1256767), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Rifleman of Company A, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 3 February 1953. When his fire team was pinned down by enemy sniper fire while engaged in a raid against strongly fortified hostile positions forward of the main line of resistance, Private First Class Parker fearlessly advanced on the sniper and killed him, thereby aiding the fire team to advance and the evacuation teams to carry out their mission. Volunteering to assist in evacuating the wounded after the withdrawal had been ordered, he succeeded in completing numerous trips with wounded comrades, despite extremely heavy enemy small arms, mortar and artillery fire, before he fell, mortally wounded by an exploding hostile mine. By his dauntless courage, initiative and selfless efforts in behalf of his fellow Marines, Private First Class Parker 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.