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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Richard J. Meadows (ASN: 0-5344796/RA-13164437), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 12 March 1969, while serving as Commanding Officer, United States Army, Army of the Republic of Vietnam Combined Force. On that date, the unit was deep in enemy territory on an intelligence gathering mission when the lead element engaged an enemy force. Fighting began and Captain Meadows moved forward, fearlessly exposing himself to enemy fire, in order to properly position his troops for effective fire on the enemy emplacements. Seeing a wounded enemy soldier approximately one-hundred meters to his front, Captain Meadows moved forward under heavy sniper fire. Without regard for his personal safety, he approached the enemy soldier and after disarming him, carried him back to the safety of the Combined Force position, shielding the soldier from sniper fire with his own body. Captain Meadows’ conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Master Sergeant

    Regiment:

    5th Special Forces Group (Airborne)

    Division:

    1st Special Forces

    Action Date:

    June 18 – 23, 1966
    Headquarters, U.S. Army Vietnam, General Orders No. 6823 (December 14, 1966)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Sergeant Richard J. Meadows (ASN: 0-5344796/RA-13164437), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Master Sergeant Meadows distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions as a member of Command and Control Detachment, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, during the period 18 to 23 June 1966, while serving as Senior Advisor to a Vietnamese reconnaissance team. While on a reconnaissance mission of a previously bombed area, Master Sergeant Meadows maneuvered with only a small part of the patrol so as not to risk the larger group. In response to an outburst of hostile fire, he personally led an assault upon the Viet Cong position, destroyed it and killed two Viet Cong. Again while probing a bombed area, he received intense fire from a rear position. Breaking contact with the Viet Cong and regrouping his force, Master Sergeant Meadows then called in an air strike so close to his position that debris fell upon the reconnaissance team. Later while very close to a trail, he photographed passing Viet Cong and their equipment. Again he withdrew and called an air strike to destroy and disorganize the hostile force. He was preparing for further reconnaissance when he received orders for evacuation. Master Sergeant Meadows’ gallantry n action against a hostile force was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Division:

    Son Tay Volunteer Task Force

    Action Date:

    November 21, 1970
    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 43 (August 9, 1971)

    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 Captain (Infantry) Richard J. Meadows (ASN: 0-5344796/RA-13164437), United States Army, for extraordinary gallantry in action on 21 November 1970 as a member of an all-volunteer joint United States Army and Air Force raiding force organized by the Joint Chiefs of Staff to conduct a heliborne assault in a heroic effort to rescue United States military personnel held as prisoners of war at Son Tay prison in North Vietnam. Throughout the execution phase of the raid, Captain Meadows, an assault group leader, repeatedly risked his life above and beyond the call of duty to insure the success of the raid. Captain Meadows as a passenger on a helicopter that crash-landed inside the prison compound. After debarking from the crashed helicopter, oblivious of enemy fire and without regard for his personal safety and the risk to his life, he single-handedly cleared the southeast guard tower and two small adjacent buildings. His unhesitating and purposeful action eliminated the enemy threat and enabled his subordinate elements to continue their mission without the danger of small arms fire from those strong points. Immediately thereafter he took up a completely exposed position in the center of the compound where, with the aid of a portable loud speaker, he shouted instructions for the prisoners to follow to expedite their release. This action pinpointed his position. Captain Meadows’ calm leadership under fire and unswerving devotion to duty contributed greatly to the successful execution of the raid. Captain Meadows’ extraordinary gallantry in action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit on him and the United States Army.