The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Richard Francis Reisinger (MCSN: 2127019), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company M, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 7 September 1967, Corporal Reisinger’s unit came under intense small arms and automatic weapons fire from a well entrenched force of North Vietnamese Army Regulars. Observing that one of his men was seriously wounded, Corporal Reisinger unhesitatingly exposed himself to the heavy volume of fire to assist his fallen comrade. Skillfully delivering M-79 grenade fire against the hostile emplacements, he fearlessly moved across the open terrain toward the injured man’s position. Suddenly, enemy mortar and artillery rounds began impacting within the company area, however, resolutely determined to reach is comrade, Corporal Reisinger boldly crawled across the fifty meters of fire-swept terrain to the side of the stricken Marines. Discovering that the casualty had succumbed to his wounds, Corporal Reisinger steadfastly remained in his exposed position and delivered effective suppressive fire against the enemy while his company withdrew and maneuvered to a more advantageous position from which an assault could be launched against the hostile fortifications. Having depleted his supply of M-79 grenade ammunition, Corporal Reisinger seized his fallen comrade’s rifle and delivered a heavy volume of accurate fire which silenced an enemy automatic weapon. Then, continuing to ignore the fire around him, he moved the casualty to a rear area for subsequent evacuation. His heroic and timely actions in the face of extreme personal danger were an inspiration to all who observed him and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his steadfast courage, unfaltering determination and selfless devotion to duty, Corporal Reisinger upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.