The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Richard L. Cody (MCSN: 0-85109), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company A, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 7 October 1968, Company A was assigned the mission of seizing a hill occupied by a large North Vietnamese Army force near Thuong Duc in Quang Nam Province, and as the Marines advanced toward the objective, the company came under a heavy volume of enemy mortar fire. Fearlessly exposing himself to the hostile fire. Captain Cody boldly directed the movement of his men through a dangerously exposed area to advantageous positions from which to launch an attack while simultaneously adjusting supporting arms fire upon the enemy emplacements. As the assault elements of his unit maneuvered toward the base of the objective, the Marines came under intense small arms, automatic weapons and antitank rocket fire from two North Vietnamese Army platoons occupying well-concealed fortified positions and sustained several casualties, including Captain Cody. Disregarding his painful wound, Captain Cody rapidly assessed the situation and ordered a withdrawal to a more tenable location in order to allow additional supporting arms preparation of the objective area. Ignoring the hostile rounds impacting near him, he boldly moved among his men, coordinating their fire and leading them to a relatively safe location as he directed artillery and mortar fire upon the North Vietnamese bunkers with pinpoint accuracy. Steadfastly refusing medical evacuation, he resolutely directed his Marines in establishing night defensive positions and expertly planned defensive fires to protect his perimeter. His bold initiative and heroic efforts inspired all who served with him and were instrumental in his Battalion accounting for ninety-seven hostile soldiers killed. By his courage, superb leadership and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Captain Cody upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.