The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Richard K. Spencer (MCSN: 283011), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Squad Leader in a Rifle Platoon while serving with Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-Second Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa in the Ryukyu Islands, on 16 April 1945. Having located a well-concealed enemy pillbox which was slowing the advance of his platoon, Sergeant Spencer advanced toward it alone to gain a vantage position from which to point out the hostile emplacement to his squad. After all other methods of target designation had failed, he deliberately exposed himself to fire from the pillbox and succeeded in pointing out the location before he was killed by enemy fire. His indomitable fighting spirit and utter disregard for his own personal safety throughout this action reflect the highest credit upon Sergeant Spencer and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.