The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Robert J. Richter (MCSN: 0-44434), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Rifle Platoon Commander of Company C, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 6 and 7 December 1950. With his company assigned the mission of defending the battalion’s right half of the defense perimeter near Hagaru-ri, First Lieutenant Richter was quick to act when a hostile force of estimated regimental strength attacked his platoon’s sector with heavy small arms, machine gun and mortar fire. Fearlessly exposing himself to the intense barrage, he boldly walked upright along the defense sector, scouting and relocating his men in advantageous firing positions, pointing out and directing effective fire, shouting words of encouragement and supervising the evacuation of casualties. Climbing upon a tank which had been assigned to assist in the defense, he personally trained the vehicle’s machine guns on approximately fifty of the enemy within thirty-five yards of his position, thereby assisting in the repulse of the attackers with a loss of one hundred and forty enemy dead in front of his platoon’s sector of defense. By his forceful leadership, daring tactics and valiant fighting spirit in the face of heavy odds, First Lieutenant Richter served as an inspiration to all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.