The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Colonel Robert Mckain Richards (MCSN: 0-8591), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service as Commanding Officer of the Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam, from 8 October 1966 to 20 March 1967. Throughout this period, Colonel Richards displayed exceptional skill, inspiring leadership and resourcefulness in the performance of his myriad demanding duties. Exhibiting outstanding leadership and professional knowledge in the organization and tactical employment of his units, he effectively directed his regiment during Operations MISSISSIPPI and INDEPENDENCE and in the conduct of numerous aggressive patrolling missions and search and clear operations which inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy. As a result of his imaginative Civic Action Programs, in conjunction with the Vietnamese Revolutionary Development Program, Colonel Richards significantly curtailed Viet Cong influence among the Vietnamese people and extended his highly effective pacification programs into new areas of responsibility. Responsible for the security of a large portion of the DaNang Tactical Area of Responsibility, including the important Liberty Road connecting the An Hoa industrial complex, he ensured that the flow of supplies were uninterrupted despite Viet Cong attempts to disrupt the re-supply movements. By his outstanding professional skill, courage, superior leadership and inspiring devotion to duty throughout, Colonel Richards upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. (Colonel Richards is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)