The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Richard P. Carlisle (MCSN: 0-80714), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the Marine Advisory Unit as an Airborne Coordinator for the Vietnam Marine Division from 19 March to 25 March 1971. During Operation LAM SON 719 in Military Region I and Laos, Brigade 147 of the Marine Division was in heavy contact with well-armed, organized and equipped North Vietnamese Army units. Major Carlisle voluntarily flew repeated sorties over the hazardous combat area to provide vitally needed coordination between the brigade and United States supporting arms. Completely disregarding intensive enemy anti-aircraft fire, he expertly directed and controlled a deadly volume of artillery and gunship fire which greatly aided the brigade in repulsing repeated enemy attacks. On 21 March during an extremely heavy enemy attack, he flew at dangerously low altitudes to better observe the battlefield and accurately assess the situation. His helicopter was repeatedly hit by enemy fire and almost totally disabled. He totally disregarded this danger and remained on station providing outstanding supporting fire and observation to the brigade until relieved. His outstanding coordination of artillery, fixed wing aircraft and helicopter gunship strikes, coupled with his tactical observations to the ground commander, directly assisted in the command and control of the units involved in the action and resulted in an overwhelming enemy defeat. By his daring actions and loyal devotion to duty in the face of great personal risk, Major Carlisle upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.