The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain Richard Y. Stafford (MCSN: 0-7262), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company C, First Battalion, Second Marines, Reinforced, engaged in an attack mission against enemy Japanese positions on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, 9 Ð 11 October 1942. Upon completing a forced march through hazardous jungle and swamps for two days and nights, Captain Stafford immediately deployed his company and initiated an attack against unexpectedly strong enemy positions. After establishment of contact with the enemy, he personally directed the assault, leading his men with courage and determination until he was killed from ambush by a Japanese rifleman. His resolute fighting spirit in the face of hardships and dangers was an inspiration to the men of his command in the fulfillment of an important mission.