The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Richard M. Gundlach (MCSN: 2479035), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Forward Observer for the 81-mm. Mortar Section attached to Company L, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. During the early morning hours of 9 October 1969, while the Third Platoon of Company L occupied a night defensive position northeast of the Rock Pile in Quang Tri Province, the Marines came under a vicious ground attack by a North Vietnamese Army sapper unit utilizing grenades satchel charges, and automatic weapons fire. Although seriously wounded during the initial moments of the assault. Lance Corporal Gundlach unhesitatingly moved to a dangerously exposed vantage point and, utilizing his radio, skillfully directed and adjusted supporting aircraft fire, illumination rounds, and mortar fire against the advancing enemy soldiers. In order to guarantee continued supporting fire coordination, he refused medical evacuation, and maintained his forward position, and, although suffering intense pain and weak from the loss of blood continued to direct artillery and air strikes on the enemy until the determined attack was halted. Thinking only of the critical condition of his other wounded companions; he then directed transport helicopters into a landing zone, still refusing to be medically evacuated until all other wounded Marines had been embarked even though he had lost consciousness twice due to his own wound. His heroic and determined actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in minimizing Marine casualties. By his courage, bold initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Lance Corporal Gundlach upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.