The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Richard Earl Nicholson (NSN: 0-513178), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with friendly forces engaged in armed conflict against Viet Cong Communist aggressors in the Republic of Vietnam. On 3 June 1969, Commander Nicholson commanded a combined force of five Inshore Patrol Craft, three helicopters, an OV-10 aircraft, Vietnamese Regional Forces troops and an Underwater Demolition Team. The purpose of this hazardous mission was to destroy the Viet Cong hamlets and gather intelligence in the Viet Cong controlled territory of the Mekong Delta. The command helicopter conducted numerous air strikes and continual visual reconnaissance during the entire operation, drawing heavy enemy fire on several occasions. In complete disregard for his own personal safety, he continually exposed himself to enemy fire by maintaining a position in the open doorway of the command helicopter so that he personally could observe the ground operations in order to better command and coordinate his combined forces and to provide air cover for their protection. Through his exemplary and inspirational leadership his combined forces completely destroyed two Viet Cong weapons. His personal courage and heroic actions were an inspiration to his forces and a major contributing factor in his forces suffering no casualties. Through his courage and outstanding leadership the Viet Cong were dealt a great setback in their insurgency efforts in the Mekong Delta Region. Commander Nicholson’s exemplary professionalism, sense of responsibility and courage under fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.