The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Richard John Hoeck (MCSN: 1960766), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company H, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, during Operation STARLITE near Chu Lai, Republic of Vietnam. On 18 August 1965, while aggressively attacking the village of Nam Yen (3), Lance Corporal Hoeck’s platoon was subjected to intense fire delivered by well entrenches insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces. In the ensuing fire fight, the platoon sustained several casualties, one of them Lance Corporal Hoeck. Refusing to be treated for his painful wound, Lance Corporal Hoeck repeatedly and fearlessly braved the incessant mortar, automatic weapons and small arms fire in order to reach and evacuate four wounded men who were lying in an exposed area under fire. Having carried his wounded comrades to safety, he administered first aid to those most seriously wounded and refused evacuation until all of his fellow Marines were evacuated. By his daring actions and selfless devotion to duty throughout, Lance Corporal Hoeck upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.