The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Richard Lee Harshman (MCSN: 0-91599), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company G, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam on 21 September 1967. While serving as the lead element in a battalion size search and destroy operation in Quang Tri Province, Company G came under an immense volume of enemy fire as it was crossing an open area. The intense automatic weapons and mortar fire from concealed fortified enemy positions, combined with supporting artillery fire, inflicted numerous casualties on the Marine company and momentarily pinned it down. Displaying exceptional fortitude and determination, First Lieutenant Harshman unhesitatingly advanced through the heavy enemy fire to rally his forces. His courageous leadership, personal example and deep concern for his men inspired them to achieve fire superiority, relieving pressure on the beleaguered unit and thereby enabling it to move forward and remove the casualties received in the initial engagement. Upon receiving directions to return to a hastily established battalion night defensive position, First Lieutenant Harshman completely and successfully joined his company with two adjacent units, thereby creating a stronger Marine force. En route to the night defensive position, the enemy continually attempted to outflank his unit and attack from the rear. Demonstrating exceptional courage, tactics and professional competence, First Lieutenant Harshman thwarted the enemy’s efforts and successfully led his company to the battalion defensive position. By his superior leadership, exceptional valor in the face of extreme danger and steadfast devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Harshman upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.