The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Specialist Fourth Class William R. Richardson (ASN: US-55349923), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company A, 2d Battalion (Mechanized), 22d Infantry, 3d Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Richardson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 15 January 1968 as squad leader of a mechanized infantry unit on combat operations in Tay Ninh Province. His unit was attacking an enemy battalion base camp in dense jungle terrain when he detected three fortified bunkers in a clearing to his front. Seeing a North Vietnamese soldier aiming a rocket-propelled grenade at his advancing troops, Specialist Richardson yelled at his men to take cover and killed the insurgent with deadly rifle fire. He charged an enemy bunker and hit the ground at the entrance just as automatic weapons fire erupted from the firing ports. He quickly delivered a burst of fire into the bunker, killing one enemy soldier. Fearlessly assaulting the hostile position, he leaped into the bunker and captured a prisoner after a fierce hand-to-hand struggle. As he moved from the position, the enemy soldier attempted to escape into the jungle. Reacting quickly, he knocked the insurgent to the ground with his rifle, recaptured him and led him to an interrogation point where he gained much valuable intelligence information. His fearless actions in the heat of battle were instrumental in the defeat of the determined enemy forces. Specialist Four Richardson’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.