The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain Richard John Sasek (MCSN: 0-81030), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer, Company D, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, in action against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 6 July 1967. Assigned to a search and destroy mission in difficult terrain full of heavy undergrowth and thick vegetation, Company D was deployed in a tactical column when it came under fire from approximately forty North Vietnamese soldiers. Instantly, Captain Sasek took aggressive action, directing automatic and small arms fire upon the enemy forcing them to flee. While pursuing the enemy, the company engaged an estimated enemy company, firing from well-concealed positions on both the company’s flanks, separating the command group from the remainder of the company and inflicting heavy casualties. Courageously disregarding the intense enemy fire which continued to rake both positions, Captain Sasek quickly analyzed the situation and directed each group to form a defensive perimeter and establish a landing zone for evacuation of the dead and wounded. As darkness approached, he realized the urgency of joining the two groups, despite the murderous hail of enemy fire. While moving to the larger group, his command group was pinned down by enemy soldiers, throwing hand grenades from as close as thirty meters, causing more casualties. Quickly reorganizing his forces, Captain Sasek maneuvered his elements against the enemy, quelling the attack; and, finally, moving in total darkness, the small command group came in voice contact with the rest of the company. As the more serious casualties were evacuated, the enemy attacked again with mortars, satchel charges and small arms, inflicting still more casualties. The company retaliated, killing twenty-seven enemy and probably killing fifty more. Heavy, close-in fighting continued throughout the night. During almost forty hours of continuous fighting in close combat, Company D, under the superb leadership of Captain Sasek, distinguished itself by its courage and aggressiveness. By his inspiring leadership, courage, and professional competence, he upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.