The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Ensign Richard Marcinko, United States Navy, for meritorious service while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against the communist insurgent forces in the Republic of Vietnam, from 30 January to 10 June 1967. Ensign Marcinko distinguished himself by his sustained high performance of duty and leadership during combat patrols on the rivers and streams; and on reconnaissance, ambushes and other combat patrols ashore in the Mekong Delta, Republic of Vietnam. Ensign Marcinko participated in over nineteen of these combat patrols, engaging in action against the enemy on many occasions. While serving with SEAL Team TWO, Detachment Alfa, Ensign Marcinko, as Squad Leader, led his squad aggressively and confidently against the Viet Cong. One of his missions was termed “the most successful SEAL operation in the Delta.” Ensign Marcinko’s squad accounted for 18 Viet Cong killed, five more probably killed and two wounded, and the destruction of 19 sampans, seven motors and 14 bunkers. His squad also captured one AK-47 rifle, four CHICOM rifles, grenades, ammunition and valuable Viet Cong documents. The success he obtained paved the way for greater SEAL exploitation in Delta operations. Ensign Marcinko’s outstanding leadership, sense of responsibility and courage under fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Ensign Marcinko is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Ensign Richard Marcinko, United States Navy, for meritorious achievement while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against communist insurgents on Ilo Ilo Island, Republic of Vietnam. In the early morning of 18 May 1967, Ensign Marcinko led a seven-man United States Navy SEAL squad on an eleven and one-half hour reconnaissance mission of Ilo Ilo Island which is covered with dense foliage and muddy terrain. After two hours of laborious movement, a well-concealed, heavily booby trapped Viet Cong first-aid station was discovered. Ensign Marcinko directed his squad in the removal of these booby traps, fully utilizing safety precautions and quietness to avoid alerting the Viet Cong forces. Deploying his squad for maximum coverage, Ensign Marcinko approached the area where three medical huts, two bunkers and a cooking hut were located. Contact with the Viet Cong was then made resulting in five Viet Cong killed, one Viet Cong wounded and four CHICOM rifles captured. Numerous drugs, medical texts, personal notebooks, and documents were captured and cooking utensils, 20 kilos of rice and two sampans were destroyed. The ensuing ambulation to the extraction point was opposed by sniper fire which was ultimately suppressed by mortar fire from a Mike boat directed by Ensign Marcinko. Ensign Marcinko’s initiative, foresight, perseverance and courage under fire contributed significantly to the successful reconnaissance patrol without injury to his own forces and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Ensign Marcinko is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Richard Marcinko, United States Navy, for meritorious service in connection with operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force while serving in the Mekong Delta region of the Republic of Vietnam, from 10 December 1967 to 20 June 1968. As Platoon Commander of SEAL Team Detachment Alfa, 8th Platoon, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Marcinko planned, coordinated and led his platoon on combat patrols, reconnaissances, ambushes and intelligence missions in areas strongly controlled by the enemy. His vast experience, knowledge of the enemy and aggressive spirit permeated his platoon and led to victory on many occasions despite superior enemy numbers and unfamiliar terrain. In penetrating remote enemy strongholds, he effectively extended the arm of Task Force 116 into areas long denied to allied forces. The accomplishments of his platoon contributed significantly to the United States Naval and United States Army commands in Vietnam. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Marcinko’s aggressive leadership, devotion to duty and imaginative planning were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Ensign Marcinko is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)