The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Richard L. Strange (MCSN: 2039191), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Guide with Company G, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 25 June 1966. When his company became heavily engaged with a hard core Viet Cong battalion defending the village of Ap My Phu from well camouflaged and strongly fortified positions in a tree line, Sergeant Strange and his platoon members were pinned down in a rice paddy by withering small arms, automatic weapons and mortar fire. Quickly realizing the urgent need to gain fire superiority, Sergeant Strange courageously moved among his men, pointing out suspected hostile targets and shouting encouragement to his comrades. When one of the platoon members was hit and incapacitated, Sergeant Strange unhesitatingly braved the hail of fire to reach the stricken man, administer first aid and carry him to a protected position. Hearing another man call for help, he completely disregarded his own safety and moved to the wounded man’s side. While carrying him toward a safe position, Sergeant Strange was mortally wounded. By his outstanding courage, valiant fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of heavy odds, Sergeant Strange contributed directly to the successful repulse of the hostile assault and thereby upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.