The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain James Keith Vanriper (MCSN: 0-89000), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the Communist insurgent forces on 13 August 1966, while serving as an Assistant Battalion Advisor to the Fourth Battalion, Task Force BRAVO, Vietnamese Marine Brigade, during Operation LIEN KET 52/COLORADO, in Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam. When Task Force BRAVO encountered a Viet Cong regiment in well prepared positions on commanding terrain, the Fourth Battalion elements advised by Captain Vanriper became the spearhead of the Marine attack. Heedless of the continual and intense fire directed at the unit from enemy positions both to the front and to the flank, he moved through the fire to an area from which he could observe and direct artillery fire on the enemy positions. His exemplary actions encouraged the Vietnamese Marine unit to hold its hard-won positions, enabling the remainder of the Task Force to maneuver against the enemy forces. Captain Vanriper then repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to identify enemy targets, direct air strikes, and adjust fire on the enemy positions. Inspired by his calm demeanor and encouraged by his professional skill, the battalion maintained their positions despite continued fierce pounding by 75-mm. rifles and 82-mm. mortars, and finally forced the enemy to withdraw. By his inspiring actions and personal courage despite extreme risk to his own life, Captain Vanriper upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.