The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Richard M. Pfuhl (MCSN: 0-21905), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a platoon leader of Company E, Second Battalion, Twenty-second Marines (Reinforced), First Provisional Marine Brigade in action against enemy Japanese forces on Engebi and Parry Islands, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands on 18 to 22 February 1944. Aggressively leading his platoon through two assault landings under heavy mortar and machine gun fire, Second Lieutenant Pfuhl divided his unit into small groups, personally conducting them in numerous attacks on enemy positions, despite constant enemy fire. On one occasion during a heavy hostile infiltration, he leaped from his foxhole and routed an enemy suicide group. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.