The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Richard D. Weede (MCSN: 0-81702), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company D, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 26 April 1968, Captain Weede was in command of a two-platoon reaction force supported by tanks dispatched to assist a platoon-size patrol which had been pinned down by extremely heavy fire from a fortified position occupied by an estimated two companies of North Vietnamese Army Regulars. Arriving in the battle area, he maneuvered one platoon to a supporting position behind the beleaguered patrol and assigned a squad from one other platoon to secure a landing zone while the remainder of the platoon strengthened the left flank of the first platoon. Suddenly, the enemy shifted their fire to Captain Weede’s right flank subjecting the Marines to enfilade fire. Unable to maneuver without sustaining heavy casualties or to employ tanks or supporting arms due to the proximity of friendly and enemy forces, he requested reinforcements and began consolidating his position. With complete disregard for his own safety, he ran from one position to another through the hostile fire, encouraging his men and shifting his forces to meet the threat from the right flank. Upon arrival of reinforcements, he deployed one platoon to the right and personally guided two tanks forward in preparation for the assault. Boarding one of the tanks to more effectively observe and control his units he initiated the assault and led the attack, directing the tank into the bunker complex and crushing an enemy machine gun emplacement. After the North Vietnamese were routed, Captain Weede halted his assault elements, began consolidating their positions and moved throughout the area to supervise the evacuation of casualties to the landing zone. Commencing an orderly withdrawal, he moved his men back to the landing zone, ensured that all casualties had been evacuated, and then organized his units for the movement to Con Thien. His heroic actions and superior tactical skill were instrumental in his unit accounting for seventy-two enemy confirmed killed. By his courage, calm professionalism, and selfless devotion to duty, Captain Weede upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.