The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Richard W. Perry (MCSN: 19811901), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the Second Platoon, Company E, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in Vietnam on 19 September 1966. Sergeant Perry was a member of a platoon reconnaissance patrol which was attacked by heavy small arms and automatic weapons fire from a larger force of communist regulars. Upon hearing that some fellow Marines on the point were wounded and pinned down, Sergeant Perry, with complete disregard for his own safety, bolted forward into the critical zone and supervised and assisted in the safe evacuation of one of the wounded men. Under a barrage of enemy fire, he again started forward to give assistance to the point but was felled, mortally wounded by automatic weapons fire. Through his extraordinary leadership and courage in the face of almost certain death, Sergeant Perry inspired the men in the platoon and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.