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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Richard R. Breen (MCSN: 0-16320), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company G, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, on 2 May 1945. With his company pinned down by withering machine-gun fire on the right flank during an attack against heavily-fortified enemy positions, First Lieutenant Breen courageously went to the rescue of a wounded Marine lying helpless on the outer edge of an open field. Promptly discarding his equipment, he crawled through a flooded rice field for forty yards until he reached the casualty and, under a hail of machine-gun, rifle and mortal fire, dragged the stricken man to a covered position where he administer first aid. His courage and unselfish devotion to the welfare of a comrade were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    7th Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.)

    Action Date:

    September 26 & 27, 1950
    Authority: Board of Awards: Serial 642 (August 6, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Richard R. Breen (MCSN: 0-16325), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer of Company D, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 26 and 27 September 1950. Although painfully wounded in the arm during the first enemy onslaught, Captain Breen skillfully organized and led his men in a fierce counterattack through a deadly hail of intense hostile fire against a well-entrenched and numerically superior enemy force occupying strong defensive positions overlooking the road to Seoul. Operating with ammunition obtained from an air drop when the enemy cut off his supply line, he continued to press the attack until defensible terrain was secured and the enemy-blocked road opened. Seriously wounded a second time during the night, he steadfastly refused evacuation, continuing to issue orders, encourage his troops, consolidate his position and supervise the care of the wounded until assured that his mission had been accomplished and his company had been relieved from the line. His valiant leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty in the face of overwhelming odds reflect the highest credit upon Captain Breen and the United States Naval Service.