The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class William Joel Rickman (MCSN: 2237378), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with the Third Squad, Second Platoon, Company L, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 21 February 1967. During a sweeping operation into the Hamlet of Hai Moc, Duc Pho District, Quang Ngai Province, Private First Class Rickman’s fire team received intense small arms fire from an enemy bunker and was forced to take cover. While exposing himself continuously to enemy fire in a lone assault on the bunker, he ran to a position within twenty meters of the bunker and threw three hand grenades at the firing slit. As only one grenade exploded, he ran back for a fresh supply, then made a second assault on the bunker. He threw two grenades before he was wounded and knocked down. With complete disregard for his wound or personal safety, he stood up and fired his rifle at the bunker silencing the Viet Cong inside. Private First Class Richman’s bravery and selfless devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.