The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Richard Roland Arsenault (ASN: 51480350), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 12 May 1972, while serving as the Operations Intelligence Advisor to Regional Force units conducting a combat operation in Duc Hue District, Hua Nghia Province, Republic of Vietnam. While moving out to engage the enemy, Sergeant Arsenault volunteered to serve as Radio Telephone Operator for the operation, knowing full well that by doing so he was making himself a high priority target for hostile fire. The North Vietnamese Army unit was strongly entrenched and was delivering a heavy volume of concentrated mortar, machine gun, B-40, and small arms fire. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant Arsenault accompanied the District Senior Advisor in the van of the attack, bringing accurate suppressive fire to bear with his M-16. Always remaining well forward so that he could provide essential communication, Sergeant Arsenault provided an outstanding example of calm and courage under fire, inspiring all those around him. He never faltered even though the fighting was finally with hand grenades and small arms at less than 30 meters and the radio he bore marked him as a prime target. During the final assault, eight North Vietnamese Army soldiers flanked the lead friendly element. Staff Sergeant Arsenault attacked them with grenades and his M-16. His deadly fire neutralized the eight North Vietnamese Army and friendly elements took the enemy position with minimal losses. Staff Sergeant Arsenault’s 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.